Imagine,
instead, that we start off determining that we will be completely
unique, and similar to no one. One aspect of this is dress. Mohawk
haircuts, tattoos, piercings and the grunge look have been past
manifestations of this kind of “counter culture.” This can
result in a person seeking out odd talents, or pursuing excellence in
arcane fields, all in an attempt to have an identity that cannot be
compromised. Implied by this choice, is the good observation that
“looks” are not everything, and one should not be judged strictly
by outward appearances.
Let's
say that Ethan has become this unique character, and Emma is
attracted. If she is from a conformist peer group, her hopes are
doomed. But if she is equally individual, Ethan and Emma are
threatened by paradox. They have unique appearance and identity in
common. Although they are individual, they have individuality in
common. They form a peer group of two! Unfortunately this may be
the ONLY thing they have in common. Attempts to maintain identity
end up offending all compromise, and any relationship cannot last.
They cannot be “together” and “distinct” at the same time.
