On Chosen Identity, Plurality, Copinglink and the Cheshire Cat

[lexidius]

Freeform existentialist ramble and crosspost from my personal page:

There's a recurring theme for all of Lex about Identity in relation to the world of Fantasy, Fiction, Imagination and the Unknown. Interesting to note is how these identities rarely feel chosen - more like past lives or kinships thrust upon us in ways we have little control over. Some of these kin appear out of the blue, float around for a little while then flicker out again after they have served their purpose - to help us process complicated moments in our lives - yet other kintypes stick like glue and become an essential element to forming core components of a system member's Personal Identity. Gryphon is a primary core element to the Identity of Jason, as are other traits and symbols associated with avians.

But how do you represent an entire system as one singular Identity? What is the all encompassing mask that can be used to describe Lex, as a whole, to the outside world?

We have chosen to link to the Cheshire Cat.

But... we also struggle to visualize this cat. Which is the part to focus on? The grin, or what's between the stripes? What part of the cat goes invisible and what part does it show to the world?

To go into Cheshire Cat and Identity means going into Wonderland, tumbling down the rabbit hole and exploring the concept of Madness; particularly how it relates to Fantasy and Imagination. And what is the Chosen Reality? Is the Cheshire we look at just Aslan the Narnian Lion in disguise, trading his mane for his grin? His wardrobe for his rabbit hole? His mouse and sword for a raven and a writing desk? Does the Dawn Treader lead to the jaws of the Jabberwocky? When the Caterpillar asks Who Are You, do you tell them you are a curious traveller who does not know the road of your quest, or do you reply that you're not quite sure where your head is and that it doesn't matter where you go if your story has no logical ending in mind?

Do you take the route of the psychoanalyst, or do you admit this book was just a silly little story for children to get lost in? Lex likes to assume the Cat walks a line between these two extremes. Does the Cat care too little on the matter, or too much?

Maybe that's what lies behind the grin. The fact that the Cheshire Cat does not know, perhaps there is nothing to know at all. Or if there is, why agonize over it when it is surely impossible to know everything?

Isn't it more fun to just enjoy the party?

Comments

[unicorn_kitty]

"We're all Mad here."

[lexidius]

Ah yes, but is my mad the same kind of mad as yours?

[unicorn_kitty]

Ah, but the diversity in the madness is what makes it fun.