Since returning to the United States in 2014, I have been confused by the political and social climate. The reverse culture shock of returning home where everyone is clamoring to be heard, no one is listening, and sides must be taken has been difficult to navigate. After decades of embracing collectivistic cultures in which the needs of the individual are generally set aside for the benefit of the group and personal opinions on public matters are kept to oneself, I\u2019m not sure what to think or how to respond. My identity as an American seems awkwardly out of step with mainstream culture. The extremes are challenging, especially during a season in which I believe my voice matters.<\/p>\n
In Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment, <\/em>author Francis Fukuyama states, \u201cDemand for recognition of one\u2019s identity is a master concept that unifies much of what is going on in world politics today\u201d and argues that the demand for recognition cannot be satisfied by economic means.[1]<\/a> If this is true, the importance of recognition, of being seen, heard, accepted, and understood is a more powerful force in the world than I imagined. Regardless of the cultural, socio-economic, or political atmosphere I encounter, the issues of identity and the demand for recognition will always be at play.<\/p>\n Fukuyama\u2019s historical, religious, philosophical, and psychological timeline is insightful. Noting how the protestant reformation, the modernization of Europe, expanded trade, and technological advances contributed to changing ideas about identity he writes, \u201c\u2026broader social and economic changes meant individuals suddenly had more choice and opportunity in their lives\u2026with new horizons opening up, the question, \u201cWho am I?\u201d suddenly became more relevant.[2]<\/a> More relevant for some, but not for all. Psychologist Abraham Maslow\u2019s hierarchy of needs comes to mind. Is the concept of self-actualization skewed by expressive individualism to the point of rejecting the dignity of human beings with whom we disagree, do not understand, or fear?<\/p>\n Shockingly, we do not have universal agreement regarding the dignity of all people and lack in our response to social injustice. However, as Christians we have the biblical mandate and a role model in Jesus to love all and care for the needs of our fellow man. Even Abraham Maslow came to the conclusion that another layer to his hierarchy, which he called transcendence, <\/em>was necessary. In The Farther Reaches of Human Existence <\/em>he writes, <\/em>\u201cTranscendence refers to the very highest and most inclusive or holistic levels of consciousness, behaving, and relating, as ends rather than means, to oneself, to significant others, to human beings in general, to other species, to nature, and to the cosmos.\u201d[3]<\/a><\/p>\n According to Fukuyama, the modern concept of identity unites three different phenomena: how the human personality craves recognition; the distinction between the inner self and outer self in relationship to one\u2019s value in society; and the dignity of all persons.[4]<\/a> Fukuyama asserts, \u201cThe modern concept of identity places a supreme value on authenticity, on validation of that inner being that is not allowed to express itself.\u201d[5]<\/a> This is a very modern and western idea. One point that confuses me is the idea that identity must be shaped to support democracy.[6]<\/a> I think the issue and purpose of shaping our identity is bigger than the end result of democracy.<\/p>\n Issues of recognition and identity have roots that go deeper than social norms, cultural differences, politics, and economics. Human beings have been seeking recognition and validation since the Fall. When we don\u2019t get external validation from our peers, we become resentful and angry. In many cases rightfully so! I see the need for recognition and validation within myself and in my counseling office daily as I listen to others who likewise struggle. Resentment and anger can be turned inward resulting in shame, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. It can be turned outward impacting relationships, behaviors, and mental health. Is it possible that what we once had with God and what God longs to restore within us we are actually seeking in all the wrong places?<\/p>\n Resentment and unresolved anger are heavy burdens. The truth is I have the responsibility to attend to the issues that arise from my own character, behavior, thoughts, and feelings when dealing with a lack of personal recognition and validation. I believe integrating the concepts of self-differentiation, non-anxious presence, and becoming undefended as a leader will address my human need for recognition. Validation which is internal and rooted in the eternal will demand less recognition from others.<\/p>\n So, how will I respond to hurting individuals longing for recognition, validation, and voice? How do I validate the dignity and experiences of another without invalidating someone else\u2019s or my own? I keep coming back to Jesus and the self-emptying leadership style Simon Walker identified as foundational to all other styles.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n What did Jesus do when he faced a lack of recognition?<\/p>\n After talking through this week\u2019s reading with my husband we settled into to our morning lectio divina practice. The reading that morning was Luke 9:51-56 when Jesus met with Samaritan opposition on his way to Jerusalem. This is what I noticed:<\/p>\n Reflections: How does my need for recognition play out in my interactions with others? \u00a0In what spirit will I respond?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Francis Fukuyama, Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment<\/em> (New York: Picador, 2018), xv.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Fukuyama, Identity<\/em>, 36.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> A. H. Maslow, The Further Reaches of Human Nature<\/em> (New York: Penguin, 1971), 269.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Fukuyama, Identity, <\/em>37.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Ibid., 36-37.<\/p>\n\n