Languages of Authenticity

Charles Taylor’s “The Ethics of Authenticity” hands us the perplexing question, “Can one say anything in reason to people who are immersed in the contemporary culture of authenticity (52)?” The minds of those completely sold out for their own identity will find trouble staying within the lines of reason. Being true to oneself means establishing your own guidelines. Unfortunately, this tends to mean people tune out the rest of the world. However, being open to the ideas and philosophies of others continues one’s growth within themselves and society. This is seen in the notion Taylor presents, “No one acquires the languages needed for self-definition on their own (53).” I personally believe that people are a product of what they have or have not been taught. Our lives, our choices, and our actions are determined by what the people before us and around us have done or not done. In my Criminology class, we learned about the Chicago School of Learning. This theory is based on the idea that the source of delinquency is rooted in the life of the community. The daily interactions shape the youth’s behavior. These kids' lives are completely different than what they could have been if they grew up in a different community… maybe they would not have ended up a criminal, a gang member, or a drug addict. Many of them do not choose that life, but it is the only life they know. I do love the use of “languages” in Taylor’s notion it enables us to be able to see the endless possibilities within expressing our self-definition. Authenticity is beautiful because of the many colors it is presented by the people around us.