Whose side are you on?

Despite this fact being made known time and time again, i still want to begin with the fact that September 11th, 2001 changed forever how we would see one another again. Perspective of others changed tremendously with the heightened state of security as the result of the fear that has been deeply embedded into us. A fear that translates into a fact that at any time, we could be victims of a terrorist attack.

Putting that aside, many questions were asked the wake of that attack. Who are these terrorists? What is a terrorist? Why do these terrorists do what they do? What did the people of America do to deserve such a tragedy? There were probably many other questions asked by the citizens of that nation. But the above-mentioned questions were probably one of the few main ones asked by many.

Analysts shortly came on air to “analyse and discuss” about the tragedy. Many did so willingly, some even appeared enthusiastic about giving their two cents worth despite the fact that over 4000 of their fellow citizens had just perished.

Answers that was given slowly shaped the identity of the terrorist. Hence, the identity or perception that people had towards terrorist were socially constructed by the “intellectuals of America”. Firstly, they were enemies of the United States of America. Immediately, many countries, including Singapore, made public condemnation to that act of mass murder and even announced their alliance to the USA. Secondly, these terrorists were known to be believers of Islam. Several books were written alongside forums on television regarding the truth about Islam as to how a peaceful religion it really is.

Point is, nobody wants to be the opponents of the USA. The USA has set out 2 clear camps ever since the 9/11 incident: the “good’ guys and the “evil” guys. As cliche and ridiculously movie-like as it may sound, this is actually the reality of the situation.

“Good” guys support the ideals of the USA. Democracy, liberty, economic propserity, western ideals and whatnots are the characteristic of the good guys. The bad guys are simply the exact opposite. USA sent out a clear message, either others were with them or not. Those who identified with the same ideals were labelled as good guys thus enjoyed economic prosperity and also security against any perpertrators who decided to cause error in their country. Countries that didnt suffered greatly economically(this in a great sense would harm all other institutions as it is one of the primary social institutions). Some even got invaded (Iraq and Afghanistan).

This is not a new phenomenon as it is a known fact that people would rather identify themselves with the superior side to reap the benefits that it might provide: mainly stability. Hence, they would take great pains to achieve a similar identity just to gain recognition. Call it sucking up to others if you will. That is simply how things work in order for the inferior to survive.

The good guy bad guy camps were used to extreme measure in world war 2. Just because of a different identity, millions of Jews were executed or worked to death in death camps(where else?). Hence, it has been almost every nation’s great interest to identify themselves to a superior one for the sake of survival else they might just perish as millions of Jews did in the hands of the Nazi’s.

Identity=Stability

The human societies have always conformed to an identity one way or another. Be it in the form of a religious identity, one with a country or state or even to just cliques, the individual within a society always identifies himself through the rules or norms of that society, the values and the beliefs. These three aspects will greatly shape him through the continuous and intensive interaction of socialization. What has to wonder then, what prompts this individual or the social actor to wanting an identity to conform to?

 Often, identity is with a purpose. It has been carefully constructed by those in power in order to serve to their needs. For example, time and time again, Singapore has carefully crafted out historical facts that might be conveniently serving the purpose of the government. It has been repeated countless times saying that Singapore has no natural resources. In fact, its only resources come from its people. Singaporeans identify to this by setting goals for themselves first in their education. Through it, they have to excel in the education system else they might just be another worthless part in this great big machine affectionately known as Singapore Inc.

Globalization may have perpetuated identity in aspects of making almost everything similar. Mcdonalizationis a widespread phenomenon that has been in existence ever since globalization became a widely accepted fact(but this does not mean that it is widely appreciated). It is evident that there’s a McDonald’s restaurant in almost every country whose citizens have some level of proficiency in the English language. It not only serve American fast food(in fact, it coined the term fast food which people readily identify with nowadays), it also served as a hangout joint for people of all ages. Thus, it simultaneously became a new stage for socialization to take place.

Why do people readily conform to a certain kind of identity? Because identity provides these actors with clear rules, values and beliefs any deviances from it might bring serious repurcussions to the deviants. This implication means that there is some form of stability for each and every actor if they were to identify themselves with that certain identity.

Scott Sernau readily mentions that fundamentalism is gaining popularity with the masses. Though “old” and “backward” in thinking, it’s very strict basic means of doing things means that it leaves any deviance from it with little room to maneuver. Even though analysts earlier on confidently mentioned that such a movement would not garner much attention much less support, the exact opposite is currently happening. Terrorism is one of the byproducts of Islamic fundamentalism as these extremist now feel that it is actually time to rid the world of infidels.

Though basic in nature, religous fundamentalism is quite the hypocrite. It is getting political action as religion is now being used in our daily political lives. Sucide bombers who subscribe to this fundamentalism are actually being used by the high authorities to achieve purposes that would really infact benefit those in power(especially so since the bomber would be blown to pieces anyway). He wouldnt know that he is being used in the first place though because he feels secure with some sort of stability that identity has brought him.

Identity is ever changing in this global society. People no longer want to subscribe to an identity that is imposed onto them. But one thing for sure is that should that identity bring about a great degree of stability, people will ignore all else and subscribe to that identity just as long as it promises them stability.