on identity [postdate : 4.22.08]
Culture is undeniably fluid. Comprised of a people’s perceptions of their past, present-day habits and position towards future + forward-thinking and proactivity, it is ever in flux.
Culture can be dynamic or relatively static. It can be healthy for the people of any particular place or consistently destructive. The ways in which individuals embrace various elements of culture and relate to one another’s uniqueness or similarities is, what I perceive as an element that is fundamental to the construct of cultural identity.
While many places allow for cultural identity to be shaped gradually and indefinitely, places that have experienced significant wars or genocides are seeking ways to channel the best elements of existing cultural practices and ideas for the good of the people as a whole. These kinds of initiatives will prove useful in avoiding future occurrences of horrific past tensions.
Urban identity is to be created by many people and not directed by single individuals only. If collective information and awareness can be utilized in the construction of space and relationships, it may give a collectively-received sense of self in relation to a whole.
If a people can feel a sense of ownership and acceptance within their places of living, working and recreation, they will find aspects of life that readily relate to those around them and focuse on similarities and embrace differences…To have a sense of unity.
spin of 4.22 : “all saints day” : evan moritz
read of 4.22 : my war gone by i miss it so : anthony loyd
i’m curious as to why you wrote about cultural identity. is this something that you’re interested in or do you confront it? i realize “confront” sounds negative, but i’ve been facing it pretty much throughout life. now i have 2 small girls and am protective about how they are exposed and will be exposed. thanks.