Individual Identity: The Struggle Of Identity And Unique Identity

The internal struggle between society and the individual has undoubtedly phased everyone in their life. As high school students, we especially find ourselves combating to define a unique identity whilst resisting the pressure of stereotypes, social roles, and inaccurate generalizations. This intense period of self-awareness and insecurity during adolescence is rigorously exploited by a highly coveted standard for social approval and acceptance. Most of us who pursue this unattainable standard, often find ourselves desperately caught between a social facade and our true self. However, as teenagers, it is next to impossible to extricate such futile attempts, as most of us are not sufficiently self-assured to be as individualistic as we would prefer. For this reason, social acceptance holds great determination to the

Those who don’t conform are “drifters”, “freaks” or “outsiders”, whereas those on the other end of the spectrum are “fake” or “superficial”. Truthfully, when we change who we are to meet the approval of others we lose a part of our individuality. We accordingly refrain from our interests, hobbies, and morals we consider unimpressive or eccentric to others, as evident in personal relationships. When first acquainted with a person, they reveal a carefully constructed persona in which they allow us to perceive them. Then gradually they appear to change by displaying a version of themselves that is different from their initial impression. However, in actuality, they are becoming more comfortable and are thus allowing their individualism to show. Sympathetic connection with another person is necessary, as self-suppression evokes feelings of isolation and reflects a poor sense of well-being. Therefore, it is important to find a means of self-expression, independent of social acceptance and approval, to maintain a balanced sense of well-being and