Symbols, Identities and Religions

: Conviction , Ambivalence , Religion , Symbols affect the identity

have been using symbolic representation of socio-religious events and `Colors of Violence ' by Sudhir Kakr is a book that tells about religious violence from a psychoanalyst 's point of view

The author has taken the circumstances surrounding the Hindu-Muslim violence of the 1990 's and presented it as a case study . The case study is based in Hyderabad southern Indian city which became the target of violence in 1990 and brought about intense violence

The writer takes up a community which is vastly divided in

terms of religion . The writer shows that the individuals ' identity in the community is grounded in their religious values and when any conflict emerges the identity takes over and the differences become unacceptable

Reading the book I realized that my identity is based on cultural and preconceived notions . On the truths and half truths of people I have met and books that I have read . I may not actually believe in the beliefs I have consciously but subconsciously I have an opinion about them . My identity is shaped from my experiences and my parents thoughts and beliefs are mine , until I start asking questions , and then I sometimes feel I am going against my upbringing . This ambivalence , which comes from the questions bring guilt . My needs and my beliefs begin to differ and my sense of the self comes under fire . My identity is not isolated it is part of a collective experience based on history...