Twins Different Identities Compared to Our Shadow

¶ … twins and their different identities, versus our own shadow, our hidden, inner self...our own hidden twin. TWIN'S IDENTITIES AND OUR OWN INNER IDENTITIES Scientifically, it is very simple to discover the genetic identity of twins, but their personalities are much more difficult to discover. Even if twins are identical, they each have differences and nuances to their personalities that make them different and unique individuals. The answer to the identity question is never simple, but when twins are brought into the equation, things become much more complicated.

Most philosophical concepts of identity presuppose a degree of uniqueness that most monozygots do not possess. When considering this idea, a twin must not only ask 'What makes me who I am?' But also 'What makes me different from my twin?'" (Kurchack). Numerous studies show twins score higher on intelligence tests than regular siblings, and develop intellectually at the same rate, even when they live apart from each other. They often develop very separate identities when they live apart, but have similar intellectual ideas and interests. (Bagley 84).

"Several studies have demonstrated that identical twins share a more similar environment in terms of dressing similarly, sharing friends more, and maintaining more frequent contact in adulthood" (Molfese). However, no matter how similar twins are, there are always differences in their personalities and identities, and no two people can be exactly alike. Many times, these different identities are discouraged from a young age.

"Even simple gestures like dressing infants in matching clothes and referring to a pair as "the twins" instead of, for example, "Beverly and Elliot" can do lasting damage to a twin's already fragile sense of self" (Kurchack). Twins certainly relate to one another on a higher level than most other people do, but twins sometimes have more difficulty with developing their own identities.

"While most of us develop our identity through the realization that we are unique and separate from other people, and identical twin is not able to grow in this manner because there is someone just like him" (Kurchack). Yet, even if we are not born twins, we all have our own twin "identity," that shadow identity inside us that is always there, somewhat like the conscious, that tells us what is right and what is wrong.

We may allow our shadow identity to do or think about things that we would not allow ourselves to do, so it is the "naughty" side of us, wanting to come out, but we will not allow it out. It is also the home of our hopes and our dreams, and how we wish we could be. Our shadow identity gives us hope for the future, and helps make us the complex beings that we are.

In the case of twins, their identity can be one of their most important assets. Twins must develop their own identities so they do not disappear into each other, and merge into one.