The meaning and utilization of “identity” can be simplistic, diverse, and profound. To the point that people can have adopted, and even invested in, a perceived identity, while an external perception may assign a separate identity altogether. Further, there are both the general representation of identity and the specific representations associated with demographics, political views, community involvement, cultural and religious aspects, and even military-related. It is easy to inflate the term veteran and associate that identical meaning with all persons who have served in the military. Though this is a common practice or occurrence that even other veterans can be guilty of, it is a shortsighted disservice. It disrupts the vital requirement of understanding each person’s common ground and individuality, thus threatening communication.
Clinton Birchfield
Editor: Opinion/Editorial, Contributor
