‘Accusative’

Dear Editor:

People have various approaches to identifying themselves. Some by occupation: I’m copywriter, mechanic, etc. Some by the way of their life as in farmer or priest. Other as to what they want to be, as in movie star or the next lottery winner. Some by spiritual belief as a born again Christian or new age guru.

Ancestry may be their identity as First Nation or fifth generation of a famous painter. Regardless of occupation some see themselves as a member of their family. Others identify themselves by sexual orientation. This list is not exhaustive. All of them are equally valid. 

What is annoying is when we are constantly barraged by someone reminding us their great uncle five generations back worked on the first steam engine or about the virtues of veganism. 

Is it human nature that some individuals or groups have some need to constantly push their internal perceptions on others? I have found this approach annoying, often accusative, and rarely leading to dialogue.

Chris Woode,
Fergus