As we have stated,
prejudices and stereotypes produce a difficult social relation between people that foster stigmas and those that are targets of stigmas: the result is
discrimination, which we described as two persons looking at one another while divided by a wall. The habit we all have to label ourselves and other persons with stereotypes (positive or negative) is so deeply rooted that it influences the choice to meet, know and interact with others. Those who are considered as different and unworthy are victims of prejudices and are discriminated against, which excludes them from being part of new social groups without even the opportunity to introduce themselves.
This condition is so common that everyone may be familiar with it, although at different levels. Disadvantaged groups, as migrants and refugees, are literally stuck in this condition to the extent that even their names as single individuals are considered less relevant than their ascribed labels. It is thus essential to create environments and situations in which challenging prejudices becomes possible.
In order to do so, we need to address the concept of personal
identity. There is no single definition of this concept, but rather a wide range of questions that are somehow interrelated. Basically, we could say that personal identity answers the question: Who am I? Thus, it refers to characteristics to which we feel a sense of ownership, that define what sort of person one is. This unique combination of factors can vary from one time to another. It includes aspects on which we have no control (colour of the skin, colour of the eyes, disabilities, gender) as well as factors related to ethnic or national identity, religious, political, social identity, but also the choices we made in everyday life.
If we accept this definition, every person is different due to the different combination of factors. It stands to reason that personal identity can also be described as the right everybody has to appear and to be represented in social life in a way that is consistent with his/her personal history as well as the right of that person to enjoy the possibility of making choices and not being discriminated against.
