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Framing the identity of an other (and an other)


Geometry, Topology and Dynamics of Identity (Part #8)


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Irrespective of the framing of one's own identity as a point, a line, or a circle, etc, a corresponding issue is how the identity of any other person (or group) is then to be framed. Examples possibly include framing the other as:

  • a point: typically as contacts in a network, or citizens (whether simply clustered with others, or possibly "aligned" with them with respect to a belief). Such a point may be a "target", whether for marketing impact or as an enemy. In the absence of any other structure, an other may be sensed as a cluster of points.
  • a line: typically as a channel or a link to some other person or group (in a network or hierarchical structure), with whom one may be aligned. An other may also be understood as being simply a "budget line". The sense of identity may be associated with several seemingly unrelated lines. The line(s) may be sensed as vibrating in some way, as within the frame of a musical instrument.
  • a matrix: as when "lines" of identity are sensed as being interwoven in some to constitute a pattern
  • a polygon: typically as constituting a triangle or some such configuration, possibly embedded in a (kinship) network
  • a circle:
  • a cylinder: notably as an experiential development (and combination) of line and circle), as a form of "tunnel" through which (or down which) one may travel to some other place -- the other as a form of "rabbit hole" or "wormhole"
  • a polyhedron: when the other is experienced as a configuration (possibly understood as subpersonalities) -- potentially together approximating to the coherence and integrity of a sphere
  • a sphere: especially when sensed as potentially encompassing or enfolding, raising the question of how several such others may "pack" together (and are then to be experienced)
  • a torus:

Each such framing of identity raises the question of how "agreement" or "disagreement" with the other is experienced and what is invariant in the sensed identity. Clearly there is also the question of how one's own "geometry" connects and engages with that of any other.