CODE Magazine - July 2012 Issue One
Image: Campbell Addy. www.monochromephoto.tumblr.com
“IDENTITY IS EXPRESSION NOT AN IMPRESSION.” Show me your ID? That tiresome question we hear so often at a club, a night out with friends or at a store buying age restricted items. We can’t avoid this recusal of “proof”, unless of course you are fortunate (or some may say unfortunate) enough to look your age. But what really is our identity? Identity, though just an eight letter word whose power and influence cannot be denied. But can our identity really be compounded by such fragile documentations as a passport or driving licence or is there more to it than that? It has been said that in a matter of seconds after meeting someone, we have already formalised a decision on that person. This unique human pattern of behaviour has been passed down from our prehistoric ancestors, a clever evolutionary characteristic which 19
distinguishes friend from foe. If that is indeed true, then our identity is something which can physically be seen. If so, appearance plays a vital role and clothes are aids or tools used to outwardly express this.
down. The Lady Gaga’s, the Michael Jackson’s, the David Bowies and the Coco Chanel’s. These figures push the boundaries of creative articulation and in doing so, help to further other’s reassurance in their own identities.
The Goth wears harsh blacks, cold metallic spikes; the Urbans differentiate themselves through the cool snapback and bright, brash colours and the indie rock the classic skinny jean. But aren’t clothes materialistic metaphors to express who we are or who we aspire to be? Perception versus self-esteem, or is our identity defined by both? Of course you get those characters that seem to define themselves so strongly; taking what is seen as the norm and turning it completely upside-
In my eyes identity is a reassurance in who you are and who you ultimately want to be. It’s a definition that can’t be found in the most extensive of Dictionaries. Our strength is in being individual, unique as a fingerprint; which is a continued belief in the value and benefits of our flaws. Through Life experiences and choice, we can shape and form ourselves to the person we are today. It’s fashion, its personality, its expression not an impression. ID is most certainly not the same as identity; ID has an expiry date.