Episode 9: Identity - Chapter 1 Olympian Method

Identity is more than merely an intrapersonal, subjective entity. It is based on the roles that we play in interpersonal connections with others. It is an agreement. It is a bond. For example, the bonds between a husband and wife are mutually agreed upon roles. It cannot be any other way. Otherwise, you should probably call the cops because anyone who claims to be something relative to you without your consent is living in a delusional fantasy realm. And we've all heard the crazy r/Tinder stories about those who claim to be one's significant other, only to have the proposed party say "Huh? who even are you?". But I digress with my poor attempts at humor.

Defining what identity isn't can be just as useful as determining what identity is. What it isn't is a solipsistic role that we assign ourselves. That is one end of extremes that we wish to avoid. But we also wish to avoid the other extreme, which is being given roles or forms that are imposed upon us without our consent. Essentially, identity is a game. It is an ever-changing form that we attempt to play out with ourselves and others.

Some questions that arose from the discussion of this game of identity come from setting the boundaries and rules of the game. In a business setting, not everyone can identify as the "boss" or the manager, and so other games are designed to determine which individual should be in a said position (ideally, at least).

In simplest terms, identities are agreements that we make with other people are who it is that we are.