Scrutiny

Over my blogging history I know I managed to somehow alienate people who thought I was questioning their legitimacy. My exploration was ruffling feathers and they came away thinking I was being dismissive. 

This was never my intent. 

The interesting thing about personal identity is that it is defined by us and not by popular concensus, ruling committee or through comparison. We don't take polls to determine whether we are worthy of self respect. 

This is one of the reasons I remained community phobic for the longest time until I had done my homework. Arms length objectivity was best.

Who we are is highly personal and should not be so fragile as to be shaken through fear of rejection by others.

Otherwise it's not much of an identity.

If it is solid it should withstand scrutiny most especially and firstly from ourselves.

Once tested there, the opinions of others become completely irrelevant; mine or anyone else's.