Who am I? On the surface one may look at this phenotype and see just that. In a heart beat the on looker-- the person on the outside looking in, may tell me that I am a young black woman. In this world, be it conscious or subconscious as Jean Jaques Rousseau took pride in saying, we care about what people think of us. Rousseau said emphatically in his writings that in the state of nature when man began to interact more with his fellow species and he became more dependent on his fellow man, his modes of thought changed. Consequently, reason was ushered into the complex equation and man began to think more of his image, the way others viewed him and from that point marked one of the greatest accomplishments yet the greatest falls of man.
Indeed, what people see does matter in the world today. We depend on recommendation letters, reports of conduct and even interviews to get us the careers and positions in the working world that we desire. How we look to others does matter......to a point.
However, we need to stop and before we think about the person people see as Jem or Judy or Jeanne, we need to ask ourselves "who do I say that I am?" So in the moments where I'm alone and I realize how dependent man has become in this age of globalization, "democratization" and this world filled with ignorant minds, I take time to reflect on who I am, the values I need to uphold, why these values are important.
So, unlike the person that sees me as a young, black woman I take time to say who I am to myself. I am soldier of love, a defender of truth and a discerner of the deceiver, I am strong, I am "unaccepting".....I am....I am....
You see, it's only when you tell yourself these things you can bring these attributes to life in your reality. If we continue to allow people to label us, we will begin to be those labels and what people make of those labels. We must continuously redefine and sometimes obliterate some labels. Remember....ideas shape our reality and words make ideas. Words are therefore powerful tools. If we master the element that shapes reality then we can truly liberate ourselves and it is only then we can see our full potential!
So as Bob Marley says in his song, "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery!!" You have to do this yourself and now you have some tips. So one of these days meditate, sit quietly and ask yourself some questions and don't be afraid to redefine, obliterate or invent!
I am more than my skin colour, texture tone, I am more than my hair its length and texture, I am more than my phenotype. I am more than what people say that I am. Who you say that I am does not have more influence on who I say that I am!
Speak the truth and accept the truth in love.....