One of the more disappointing aspects of the current self-identification movement is its depressing lack of imagination. Limiting self-identification to broad classes such as sex or race seems as crabbed and oppressive as the usual societal constructs. On the other hand, identifying as specific individuals presents a multitude of liberating options.
Today, I’m identifying as LeBron James. I plan to identify as Miguel Cabrera later this summer, although I’m flirting with the idea of being Mike Trout. This fall, I’m thinking Tom Brady. (Please don’t alert Giselle Bundchen. I want it to be a surprise).
I am who I say I am until I say I am no more.