Question

Describe the concept of damaged identity? Explain why you agree or disagree with the idea that once labels are applied they increase the likelihood of persistent offending

Answer 1

Damaged Identities is a fascinating study of the ways that narratives can oppress some groups of people, and how they can resist that oppression through creating counter stories. Damaged Identities is an original piece of work that deserves attention from philosophers and social theorists. There are, however, a number of questions it raises. A central issue that it is largely silent about is the relation of master narratives to other methods of oppression such as legal exclusion, poverty, and violence. While the focus on narratives may have explanatory value, it is implausible that one can understand narratives in isolation from these other forces that have been discussed at length in other discussions of class systems, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Furthermore, it is not clear how narratives relate to stereotypes, degrading visual images.

I agree with the fact that once labels are applied it increases the chances of persistent oppression or offending. This is because the narrative theory and the concept of counterstories relate to psychological theories of self-esteem and the importance of role models. The offenders take advantage of the lack of self-esteem and confidence and use them against the victim. Because the victims do not have any power against the offenders, this usually leads to persistent oppression.