The notion of identity has long been a source of fascination and debate among scholars, philosophers, and everyday individuals. It is a concept that has been marveled at, scrutinized, and understood through various lenses, from sociological to psychological, and from existential to phenomenological. One of the most intriguing and thought-provoking works on identity is the film “Kivabe Porte Hoy” (How I Came By), a 2019 Bangladeshi drama film directed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. In this article, we will embark on a journey to unravel the paradox of identity as depicted in this film, exploring the complex, multifaceted, and often contradictory nature of human selfhood.
The Quest for Authenticity
The protagonist, Rashid, a former radical Islamist, is on a journey to find redemption and authenticity. His quest is fueled by a desire to shake off his past and reinvent himself, but this process is marked by moments of introspection, self-discovery, and claiming ownership of one’s identity. This dichotomy is reflective of the human experience, where individuals grapple with the desire for authenticity, while also craving approval and acceptance from others.
The Politics of Identity
The film delves into the complexities of identity politics, exposing the tensions between the self and the external world. Rashid’s journey is fraught with encounters with the world around him, from the judgments of his family to the expectations of society. This paradox is genuinely reflective of the human condition, where individuals must navigate the intricate web of identity politics, constantly weighing the need for individuality against the pressure to conform.
The Performance of Identity
Through Rashid’s character, the film highlights the performative nature of identity. His actions, words, and emotions are all a means of constructing and reconstructing his sense of self. This performance is both deliberate and unintentional, revealing the fragmented and multifaceted nature of human identity. The film shows that identity is not fixed but rather a dynamic process of becoming, shaped by internal and external forces.
The Paradox of Identity
As we delve into the complexities of identity, it becomes clear that it is a paradoxical concept. On one hand, identity is seen as a source of strength, resilience, and belonging. On the other hand, it can also be a source of anxiety, fragmentation, and dissonance. Kivabe Porte Hoy masterfully captures this paradox, demonstrating that identity is a fluid, ever-changing construct that is both unifying and disorienting.
The Lessons Learned
Rashid’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that identity is not a fixed destination but a continuous process of exploration and negotiation. The film encourages us to embrace the complexity of human experience, acknowledging that our sense of self is forever in flux. By doing so, we can better understand the intricate web of identity politics and the performative nature of human identity.
Kivabe Porte Hoy is more than just a poignant portrayal of identity; it is a reflection of our collective human experience. As we continue to grapple with the paradox of identity, we are reminded that it is a journey, not a destination. The film urges us to be mindful of the complexities involved in the construction and reconstruction of our sense of self. By doing so, we can foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of human identity and the intricacies of our collective human experience.
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