Who are you?

Based on the first theory in the “personal identity” chapter, the physical continuity theory, I am the same person as I was since birth if my body existed continuously from then until now. With this, however, our intangible assets and memories are overlooked. Clearly, there must be more to me than just my physical attributes. According to the same-soul theory of identity, what makes me me is my soul. For me, this theory appeals more. The example of the car parts being replaced, the car being taken apart completely, and the car being put together reminds me of my own body and identity. As my physically grow, my body changes like the car with parts being replaced. On a smaller scale, my baby tooth were replaced by adult teeth and, on a larger scale, my skeletal structure changed drastically with age and continues to do so. This convinces me that the personal identity theory is fallible. Eventually, our physical appearance would be almost unrecognizable. Thus, looking at the physiological continuity theory, which states that what makes me me are my psychological characteristics, I believe that my mind primarily defines me as a person.

Recalling back to middle school, I blindly supported the Democratic Party, mainly the Democratic Presidential Candidates (Clinton at the time). I really did not know why, but it may have been the perception that Chinese people always go blue. Really, the root of my initial political belief is unknown. I discarded that it was my family’s political beliefs since my younger sister who is 10 years old really likes President Bush because he is the President. Since the first day hearing her say this, I have fervently told her to root for Democrat. Hopefully, I will present her a case with reasoning. Nonetheless, my reasons for my personal political belief when I was younger have changed.

Today, however, I support most Democrats with reason and a clear perception. I try to gain all the information available and truly understand platforms and issues before making a political decision. I put aside fundamental biases as best as I can and reject unsupported slanders to arrive to a final conclusion. This conclusion tends to be in favor of Democrats, thus forming my political belief today. In relation to most issues, I cannot see myself calling myself something other than a Democrat. Perhaps, a few years from now, I may register a Republican (forbid that day). Or, maybe I will be a lifelong Democrat.

Finally, I just want to quickly note and inject another confusing point that political parties change. A few years from now, the Republican Party may become more liberal and shift in their platforms (like in the 1960’s). Should Giuliani by nominated to run for President, we may see the identity of the Republican Party change. Along with that, we may shift parties. Intrinsically, would we a change in our own identity, given that our beliefs do not change but party association does?