Identity Politics

[rinue]

jonquil wrote an entry about pseudonyms that made me think about how I use my many different names. I think I'm different from most people who use false names, in that I'm not trying to hide who I am - I'm trying to clarify the context in which I'm speaking. For instance, my opinion as a private citizen is different from my official position as editor of Reflection's Edge, and neither of these is remotely linked to my identity as a filmmaker. Very often, I behave in opposite ways depending on how you approach me. As a teacher, I do everything I can to encourage people to experiment and not worry about failing; I tell them to keep pursuing art as long as they're interested, and that I believe they can succeed. (Which is not a lie.) As a producer, I will dismiss anyone whose skills have not already reached a level I can work with. I'll be nice about it, and consider them again next time, but I don't have any interest in being hobbled when I need to move quickly. And if they act entitled, or waste my time or talent, I'll stop being nice about it. These are opposite modes of operation - one is about helping every straggler, and the other is about weeding out the weak. It's extremely important that people are clear about which Romie they need - otherwise, somebody's feelings get hurt. (Sometimes theirs; sometimes mine.)

I also figured out a long time ago that when people know me well in one context, they forget that I can do other things they already know I can do. If I do camera work for too long, people forget that I can costume. People who taught me in science classes are amazed that I'm a writer. People who know me as a reader don't know that I compose music, or that I ever programmed. On the grounds that I lived in London, it is assumed that I read a lot of Jane Austen, rather than sci fi and westerns. (Nothing against Jane Austen, who I do like; it's just that out of the thousands of books in my house, none is by her.) It's easier for everyone - and especially me - if I behave as though there are several different Romies, all of whom are the same person, but each of whom runs a different department. Fewer fights that way.