Identity is such a personal thing. We’re given names upon birth, typically based on tradition and family. Who we are matters, becoming a record of our existence. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally, this is the societal expectation.
How unique is your name? In Western culture, we have first, middle and last names. We have legal names and nicknames, too.
I’ve gone by Jack my whole life, but technically, it isn’t even my “real” name. When you tell people this, they immediately wonder — what have you done? Why did you change your name? Are you in a witness protection program?!
The truth is, sometimes it’s as simple as being called a nickname your whole life after a favoured relative for no particular reason other than a way of skirting tradition. Just because.
What makes a name legitimate, anyway? Someone else may have the same name, so is your middle initial the only distinguishing difference? Biologically, our DNA is unique, but identifying ourselves as a sequence of genomes would be a little unpractical.
We have a system that works and we have all bought into it.
If someone well-known has the same name as you, or even a famous fictional character, it presents other challenges by association. It’s harder to get away from.
Your online self
Online is a different story. The internet is a space where we can easily hide behind a mask of anonymity.
There is, however, a difference between having a pseudonym and being completely anonymous.
Whether it’s your email, social media handle or gaming profile. Many devise something fun and creative that represents them in some way but at an arm’s length or 180 altogether. In a calculated manner or subconsciously, we spend time crafting a digital persona.
Some people do it for privacy. Others because it’s cool. Where else can you reinvent yourself and explore identity? Hiding in plain sight behind a PFP on your favourite social network opens a realm of possibility.
I have cycled through several names online over my lifetime so far. We evolve and change with our tastes and the context of what we need a name for. As we grow, our needs shift and we can always start over as someone else. Real life is not quite like that.
This is nothing new when many writers had a “pen name” long ago. And still do.
Personal brands and pop culture
Navigating the concept of a personal brand, there is value in being your authentic self for continuity. Many successful individuals have built a brand around their identity, and it makes no sense for them to LARP as an anonymous person online — unless that is their private escape from reality.
A pseudonym can be very effective depending on what you want to do and accomplish. Look at Banksy. It creates more mystery and allure than “Joe Smith” may have ever gained attention.
Many famous folks, especially artists and musicians, create a name and image that represent them in such a fashion that you know their real name, but you perhaps follow their creator’s name or mononym. We see artists change their names over time, too.
Exploring a creator name
On a personal note, I have struggled somewhat with identity. Who am I, what does my name mean, what does it represent?
It’s part of why I have enjoyed operating under another name, “Mad Jack,” for a series of work I am creating online. It’s short, sweet and memorable. And it’s not too far from my real name, so it’s a comfortable choice.
You see the word “doxxing” thrown around a lot. As a millennial, I find it an interesting concept. I do feel that if someone is revealing personal information, such as an address, that crosses a line, and I understand if someone is protecting their identity for whatever reason.
I am not hiding behind anything. If anything, my pseudonym represents a body of work I create through a moniker that helps me compartmentalize myself and what I am doing as a creative outlet.
Juggling the personal/professional and a separate creator name world is not a walk in the park. You have to be committed and have conviction to make it work.
When worlds collide, how are you perceived? Is it any different? Does anyone care? In my experience, it only matters when you care about what others think.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, I feel that anyone should be able to express themselves however they want. It feels natural and is not overly complicated as long as you make an effort.
But rules were also made to be broken, so do whatever you want as long as you are not harming anyone.
So go out there and be who you want to be. And legally change your name, too, if you wish to because you need to live and be comfortable with your name.
What’s in a name, anyway? As we have learned, it can be quite a whole lot.
