13. Identity Crisis

We as a culture and many as individuals are suffering from an identity crisis. So much of today's society in Western culture promises a greater sense of purpose, a greater authenticity with your "inner self" if you simply buy in to their ideas and pursue the "real" you. Be the master of your own fate, captain of your own ship, and subordinate of no one. You'll be happy if you'll just "do you." And yet, anxiety, depression, suicide, and substance abuse are higher than ever. With all the theories and ideas surrounding who we are today, it seems like we're more unsure than ever before. Perhaps rather than being liberated by modern thought to be our true selves, we're being robbed of our true identities. Perhaps the sweet sounding ideologies of identity theories are actually bitter poisons? Whether you agree or disagree, you're sure to be intrigued by this one.