Trying on identities like a costume.

[PumpkinsOfFire]

slate.com/human-interest/2021/07/queer-identity-changing-care-and-feeding.html

OK, but seriously, this kid is trying on identities like costumes, which is a normal part of adolescence

Goth, punk, preppy, yes. But, boy? Lesbian?

Interesting article anyway.

I remember an article in the Sunday times (could’ve been been the observer on Sunday) waaaaay back in the 80s and it was a spoof of current ‘tribes’ (Sloan rangers, new romantics etc) with a photo and ‘interview’ of each ‘person’. It was the same person in each photo ‘playing’ the role - I forget who it was (Dennis Pennis? Neil from the young ones?). I remember my sister and I laughing it heads off at the possibility of people changing their persona like others change their underpants.

There was a time when people fought to avoid being labelled, to demonstrate true independence of thought and 'try my best be a real individual' (Queen). Now they're just desperately ticking off collection boxes. It's sad.

I (partly) blame cheap clothes... remember when we actually had to search and adapt clothes etc make a ‘look’? Far more creative. It’s all so ‘meh samey’ these days.

Interesting problem and response. I know this kind of behaviour is relativley common now but it is so extreme. Teens from previous generations tended towards music subcultures which was much less invasive, and thankfully required no body modification except maybe some tattoos and piercings.

This new version seems unhealthy and narcissistic to me and I wonder how many have genuine mental health issues or personality disorders rather than run of the mill teen angst and self-discovery. Being so self-focused cannot be good for individuals or society.

I suspect the support/encouragement to be self focussed , eso social media will push children who might otherwise have coped into mental illness /disorder