America’s Mass Identity Crisis

America’s Mass Identity Crisis

By Dr. Judith Miller

Not a day goes by lately, where I don’t hear gloom and doom woven into casual conversations I have with others. Patients, strangers, and acquaintances alike lament over a wide array of problems, from anger at the amount of spam finding its way onto cell phones and e-mail to disgruntled comments about how today’s young people leave much to be desired; anxiety related to racial tensions and worse, during the twilight years of our first black president’s tenure; wringing of hands and broken hearts around mass shootings, near and far; climate change and overpopulation; greed from the top one percent; and last, but certainly not least, lack of opportunity for the middle class.

Of course, such societal and cultural concerns are understandable, and most of us hope for resolution. But the ever-growing despondency and sorrow constantly expressed make me think that something else might also be occurring. After much thought, I have concluded that a mass identity crisis is going on in America. Rather than honestly facing and exploring one’s own big questions, people find it easier to take notice of societal misfortunes external to themselves. In these postmodern times of the “quick fix,” instant communication, immediate gratification, and relativism, journeying into one’s spiritual depths is not seen as a socially acceptable way to go.

The search for identity is nothing new. The developmental theorist and psychologist, Erik Erikson (1902-1994), wrote that human development is based largely on the quest for identity throughout the entire life span. But it’s taking a new importance. Never before has personal identity been so highlighted. The hot new topic going viral on internet sites and media outlets is “identity crises”…. sexual identity, gender identity and, most recently, racial identity.

No sooner did the public accept and even celebrate gay marriage, than the question of transgender identity conflict was thrust into public debate. By changing his identity from Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn Jenner, the 65-year-old Olympic champion signed a five million dollar reality show contract and has been proclaimed a hero by many. Verdicts vary, depending on personal sensitivities.