Today I'm going to write something like a meta-blog, a reflection on one of my daily activities—writing. Surprisingly the thought behind is relevant to a lot more than writing.
Last year, I came across a phrase while I was involved with an online parenting group. It describes an issue faced by the second generation of immigrants: "自我身份认同" (zì wǒ shēn fèn rèn tóng), meaning "self-identity" or "self-identification." It encompasses how you perceive, identify, and define yourself—the sum of your beliefs, values, and ethnic and cultural background.
As a matter of fact, it's not just the second generation of immigrants who face this self-identity question. Take myself for example: I often think about this everyday -- how do I see myself when I’m writing? What do I identify myself as when I make my voice heard on the internet, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and interpretations of events with the world? Do I identify myself as a writer or more than a writer? What is the "more" part?
Self-identity is important in everything we do. What I identify myself as influences and determines what I write and how I write. Like everything else, writing is just an activity, a means to an end. The end is the identity that I see in myself and want the world to see in me.
Take another example: when you go to work every day, do you identify yourself as a 打工仔 (dǎ gōng zǎi), someone who works hard for other’s dreams or someone with his own dream? Your self identity determines how you spend your time there. Different self-identity leads to different mindset and attitude.
What we identify ourselves as determines what we do online, be it writing or videoing. In today's world, where many seek internet celebrity status, continually reminding myself of my self-identity helps me stay anchored and focused, ensuring that my writing is authentic and meaningful. After all, an authentic voice should matter in the end.
Ultimately, self-identity shapes our actions, interactions, and expressions. By staying grounded in who we are, we bring a unique and genuine perspective to everything we do. For me, this means writing with integrity and purpose, making each piece not just a reflection of my thoughts but a testament to my true self. In a world where authenticity can often be elusive, staying true to my self-identity is respectful to both my readers and myself.