[Lvnufcdc]

That is very interesting Gurce... nicely put too!

Not too long ago, that's what I was thinking as well. But now, I see things otherwise.

You say that the first perspecticve (self-perception) is more meaningful personally than the second perspective (what society, government and friends think you are)... that might be so, by and large, but what about people who are dear to one's heart?

One can believe himself/herself to be Thai, but when these people think otherwise about him/her, the results can be devastating. One could feel as an outcast, and lose his/her self-perceived identity altogether. From then on, it depends on the individual whether he/she can cope with that loss.

Anyway, my point is that the second perspective can be equally important when it comes to loved ones. And that self-perception is not enough, in my opinion. It cannot stand alone, but has to be reinforced by the perception of people who we respect and love.