be who you want to be ?

Whenever our life drastically changes, we tend to find out something new about ourselves, or at the very least, come to better understand who we truly are. I spent my entire life on the outskirts of Philadelphia, becoming a product of east coast culture. Now, after spending a month in a city that I had never even visited before coming for orientation, I can tell you how different things are in Philly compared to San Diego. From food to pace of life and from geography to culture, San Diego is so very different from Philadelphia.

And, while they are both completely different cities, they are still similar. Not in culture or climate or anything like that, but, instead, the people are the same. We are all Americans. And while we are all vastly different people, there are some traits that we hold deep in our hearts and practice frequently. For starters, the first thing that caught my eye about the people in San Diego is individuality.

Whether you’re from Philly, San Diego, New York, Chicago, or wherever else you may hail from, odds are you have a sense of individuality. Just as Gary Althen points out in his book, American Ways: A Guide for Foreigners in the United States, we, as Americans, hold the concept of individuality to a very high regard. Althen’s states, “They are trained from very early in their lives to consider themselves as separate individuals who are responsible for their own situations in life and their own destinies.” Throughout my life, I have noticed the same things, albeit I’ve only lived in Philly and San Diego. Everywhere I turn, I see someone different. People do their own things and live their lives as they see they should be fulfilled.

I, for one, absolutely Love this idea of individuality. We are fortunate enough to live in a country where all of this is, not only possible, but also highly regarded. I try to be myself every single day. And that doesn’t mean I live by a code of what I find I should be doing, but rather what I feel is best for me to do. Individuality is not being unique. Individuality is about being who you want yourself to be.

I find myself angry at the government. A lot. Most of that has to do with infringing on other’s individuality. Call me crazy (trust me, it wouldn’t be my first time or my last time hearing it), but I believe you should be able to do absolutely whatever you want. I truly believe in you being the master of yourself. No government. No religion. No forced traits. Just you being you. I believe in a state of total individuality, a place where you can do whatever you feel fits. Obviously, this is a problem. No one would be able to stop you from committing a crime or doing something that is not healthy for you, or even others. Maybe this is all idealistic. Maybe my idea is crazy.

All I know is this, the world would be a happier place if everyone learned to be who they are and if people allowed others to be who they are.