In the text, Deadly Identities, by Lebanese writer, Amin Maalouf, the writer explains his way of defining one’s identity and writes to all people having deadly identities, not to force others to label their identities, if they have been raised by two violently opposed cultures. Maalouf rejects the fact that a man’s identity is prioritized basically on religion and nationality. He also comments that people with dual-identities are not obliged to choose or separate between their two origins.
The author’s premise in the text is that one’s identity does not have any certain limits or borders, but insists that an individual’s identity consists of all the components that have influenced his or her life. In his text, Maalouf acknowledges the dangers of asking someone to explicitly define his or her identity along religious, ethnic or national terms. What was dangerous to the writer was the common attitude that the majority of the world has when distinguishing their real character.
Most people feel like there is a belonging deep inside of each and every one of us, that “so-called belonging” has been passed on to us and will never change, it has been nourished with us ever since birth and it forces us to choose one identity over another. This outlook is what Maalouf identifies as dangerous. because. I certainly agree with Mr. Maalouf description of this speculative attitude.
In my opinion, questioning a dual-identity of their genuine belonging is malignant, because it induces many dangers to an individual’s personal and social life and impels one to believe that a man’s identity is composed only of his nationality and religion. On various occasions I have questioned myself if there is really an identity I belong to more than the other, which ethnic group has accepted me more? What country do I most fit in? There are times I favor my Arab side more than my American side and sometimes my American side over my Lebanese.
In many occurrences I worry that I am misfit in this world and I do not belong to any cultural group, I sometimes feel I was never fully accepted by either ethnicity, due to my mixture of races. I sensed an inner struggle within me that I would never be accepted as either of my origins, which has caused many personal and social troubles. If people really believe that we all have this sense of belonging then we will base our identity based on our nationality and culture and once we identify ourselves by nationality the dangers will come, especially to those with dual identities.
Socially speaking, I have come across many conflicts when I have been questioned on my true identity? A personal experience I have had is in the United States, when I was in a job interview with the boss of the pretzel shop I intended to work at. The interview was going well until he asked “What do you really consider yourself an Arab or a Mexican/American? ” Here I felt like I was forced to pick between the two, and I replied to him “An Arab! ” I choose my Arab culture because I was raised thinking that one should always consider themselves to be the culture of their paternal side. Why, you like being a terrorist? ” the boss responded. Being the stubborn person I am I reacted by shouting at him and we ended up in an argument. At the end I didn’t get the job because of my reply. Now this is a not a dangerous experience, but it could be if I was questioned in a more dangerous environment other than a job interview. Questioning a dual identity of their true identity could cause them danger, socially, based on their answer. People will judge and react differently based on what you answer. Sometimes people can react very violently and can result in someone getting hurt or even killed.
Maybe you have people seeking revenge over the other culture and are trying to hurt someone from a specific race. Here are some examples where dual identities can be dangerous starting from a national all the way to an international scale. lets start with the case of citizenship. Citizens with dual identities can sometimes be put in hot water because of their mixed backgrounds for example if they are involuntarily part of a shady society their lives can be put to danger and that is why witness protection programs ensure that their identities are kept a secret and are given aliases.
Moving on to a more national level let’s take the religious and political situation that’s going on in Lebanon, where people have lost their sense of nationalism due to sectarianism. Religious clashes are threatening our internal stability and security this may project us as weaklings in front of our enemies globally. Take a look at how ethnic clashes and dual identities were dangerous and led to a change in the course of history during WWII Jewish Germans were burned even though they were German by blood and other Germans who were not Aryans(blond and blue eyes) were sent to prison.
What I realized though, not too long ago in my adventure to defining my identity, is that my inner struggle was that I failed to comprehend that my identity was not compulsorily prioritized by our nationality and religion, but by my beliefs, hobbies, religion, influences and everything that has formed my life. My fear is that I know there are many others that are going through this same situation and that still suppose that they have to forcibly choose a society over the other which causes bigger conflicts.
Once an individual definitely singles out belonging to one community over the other, it ceases any potential progression in fulfilling future misunderstandings. Like Maalouf said about the role people with deadly identities have: “ these people have a special role to play: building bonds, resolving misunderstandings, reasoning with some, moderating others, smoothing and mending conflicts… ”(paragraph 11). Following what the writer said in the above quote, I undoubtedly believe that we, deadly identities, have exceedingly worthy responsibilities to resolve or to smoothen out the continuous clash between ethnical and religious oppositions.
If we decide though to favor one culture over another then like MR. Maalouf said “We have the right to be worried about the basic way the world functions. ” (Paragraph 11). The only people who desire and win from your choice of embracing one society over the other are “fanatics and xenophobes”(Maalouf paragraph 12). “This is how you manufacture slaughters”( Paragraph 13). This is why I indeed, agree with Mr. Amin Maalouf that it is very hazardous to ask someone to determine his real identity.
Conclusively, identity can result in more things just danger. It can produce acceptance, respect or fear. Depending on how we utilize it. It is not fair to judge one based on his or her color, ethnicity and religion. Unfortunately, labeling has become a common trend that we perform subconsciously. Sadly, it is becoming accepted amongst the world and there is no cumulative way to stop it. All we can do is embrace, the diversity that our identity contains. After all we have all become victims in the Age of Labeling!
A Comparison Of Macbeth And Star Wars
Shakespeare wrote the play, Macbeth, which features the character, Macbeth who turns evil. Lucas made the Star Wars movies which feature the hero, Anakin Skywalker, who succumbs to the dark side. Both men have conflicting issues that lead to their downfall. Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth were both once heroes. Anakin Skywalker had done many heroic acts. He saved many lives. Anakin had always wanted to help everyone he could and this is what made him a hero. Macbeth saves Scotland from tyranny and oppression. He restored peace to Scotland with help from his best friend and fellow general, Banquo.
Macbeth looks up to Duncan, the King of Scotland, and his mentor. Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth both had a tragic flaw that led them down the path to the dark side. Anakin is different than Macbeth in that there is a way he is forced to live his life. Anakin has always had anger, fear, and a desire for more power. Macbeth has also had similar ambitions and desires for power. Once Macbeth hears of the witch’s prophecies, he begins thinking evil thoughts and murder ideas. He considers taking such actions, yet has internal arguments about them. Both men had evil influences in their lives.
Anakin had Palpatine manipulating him since he was a small boy, and Macbeth had the witches to give him evil thoughts. Both men had their own personal dreams about their own empires. They also committed many pointless murders. Both men truly loved their wives. Both Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth realized they could not live this way. Anakin redeemed himself in the end. Macbeth had the opportunity to, but did not. Anakin could not stand seeing his son dying. He destroyed his evil influence, Palpatine. Anakin Skywalker died peacefully in his son’s presence.
Macbeth did not destroy his evil influence, the witches, but he did recognize their treachery towards him. He realized that their prophecies were meant to deceive him. Macbeth became a warrior again. He died with honour and bravely. Macbeth almost redeemed himself when he put his sword down, but he refused to surrender. Macbeth is an example of a classic tragic hero, whereas Anakin is no longer a tragic hero by redeeming himself. Anakin Skywalker and Macbeth are both great examples of a tragic hero. They were once great heroes who gave in to the dark side. Later Anakin redeemed himself, unfortunately Macbeth did not.
Heineken Sources Of Brand Equity
The sources of brand equity come from TV commercials, sponsorship, events, promotion, logo, package and the slogan. Details of each are as follow: TV Commercials: The Main characters in the commercials are always male. This emphasizes the masculine nature of the beer and infers that the beer is for man. Another special point is that quite a number of them are about relationship encounters (e. g. in bars, supermarkets etc), this communicates the joy of life. Furthermore, some versions of the commercial focus on describing the Smart and success of male (e. . The James Bond version). This no doubts want to associate the beer with success and winning Spirit Sponsorship: Heineken is the title sponsor of “50 Years Champions League Best Player Election” in HK, which organized by “CHAMPIONS” the official publication for the Champions League. As Soccer is regard as a sport for man, it associates the beer with man. Events: Heineken has held several events. Most of them obviously targeted man such as the Heineken Angels Summer promotion and Heineken Angels Party .
These events are normally held in bars and what it does is to invite some girls to play game with the audience. The objective of these events is providing fun activities for people. The association is enjoy life. Brand name: The name of Heineken come from its founder’s name – Heineken. This can communicate its long history as the founder is a man born in 1841. The brand name can be easily transferred and adaptable as it is not specific to a particular categories. Logo: For the Authenticity logo, it communicates and reinforces the brand’s brewing quality, heritage and authenticity.
For the Star-Heineken logo, it has been specially developed to communicate and reinforce the modernity and vitality of the brand. These associate the beer with its Premium quality. Moreover, the ‘e’ in the logo looks friendly, which remind people to enjoy life. The logo has the corporate names in the middle with big font so it could be easily recognized Package: The bottle of Heineken is green in color. The color Green means Relax mentally, as well as physically; and Offers a sense of renewal, self-control, and harmony.
This can associate with pursuing a relaxing lifestyle and enjoying life. Slogan: The slogan “It could only be Heineken. ” communicate that it is the only beer that could deliver the premium taste or quality of the beer. The slogan contains a clear message and is short and memorable. It is easy to understand its meaning and can be used in many occasions. URLs The URLs of Heineken is http://heinekenhongkong. com, which can be easily memorized as it is only the name of the brand + “hongkong”.