Innocence is often portrayed as a prerequisite for legitimate expression of identity. This belief suggests that people who are perceived to be innocent have greater freedom to express their true selves, while those who are seen as guilty are restricted from doing so. In this article, I will explore how discourses about innocence regulate identity expression.
Discourse Around "Innocence"
To understand how innocence regulates identity expression, it is important to consider the different ways in which innocence can be understood. There are several theories that describe what makes someone innocent, including: ignorance, naivety, purity, sinlessness, and virtue. According to one theory, people are considered innocent if they lack knowledge or experience about certain topics.
Children are often considered innocent because they do not yet know much about the world around them. Another theory describes innocence as an absence of guilt or immorality. People who commit no wrongdoings are said to be "innocent."
Some theorists argue that innocence is associated with purity or holiness. These definitions suggest that there is a clear boundary between the innocent and the non-innocent, which leads to questions about who has the right to express themselves freely.
Regulating Identity Expression
When we consider these ideas, it becomes apparent that innocence plays a key role in determining who can express themselves without judgment or censure. Those who are considered innocent are more likely to be accepted by society and given permission to be authentic.
This acceptance comes at a cost - individuals who challenge the status quo or deviate from societal norms may lose their sense of innocence and become ostracized. This creates a hierarchy where only those deemed innocent have full freedom to explore their identities. As a result, people must balance their desire for self-expression against fear of losing their social standing.
Discourses around innocence regulate identity expression by creating a hierarchical system where certain types of people are privileged over others. While this may seem unfair, it helps maintain social order by reinforcing dominant narratives about what constitutes "normal" behavior. In order to change this dynamic, we need to challenge our assumptions about what makes someone innocent or guilty and embrace diverse expressions of identity. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to be true to themselves.
How does discourse around “innocence” regulate legitimate expressions of identity?
Innocence is used as a social construct that refers to an individual's lack of knowledge, experience, and understanding of their surroundings. It can also be used to describe someone who has not been exposed to negative influences or harmful behaviors. This concept has often been associated with childhood and the process of learning and growing up, where one gradually becomes aware of the world around them.