You had to have been hiding under a rock lately to not know that flying now requires Real ID. Real ID is some magical new technology that is embedded in our drivers’ licenses used to prove that we are indeed who we proclaim to be.
Unfakeable, these new badges of authenticity limit identity theft, catch criminals and I don’t know what else, but I’m guessing there is way more. But what it states on that tiny laminated card does not always depict who we really are and how we identify ourselves. Let me elaborate…
I’m not talking about a gender reveal and I’m not getting into bathroom preferences. I was more going for the fact that I identify as a chocoholic. Not shocking. Many of you know this already. But is that on my Real ID? Apparently not. Would someone posing as me be privy to this critical information? I’m guessing no chance. Would this imposter know my death row meal? Also no. But if you must know I’d have to say my Mom’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes with a side of my Dad’s homemade home fries. (Alas, I cannot resist a good spud.) Dessert would be a Cookie Crush ice cream sundae with hot peanut butter sauce, hot fudge and homemade whipped cream from the now defunct Bischoff’s in Teaneck, New Jersey. RIP. I dare anyone to know these specific details when questioned under bright lights.
What about the fact that I’ve never had a cup of coffee and I’m the only person I know who is repulsed by guacamole? I know the preposition song by heart (DM me for the deets), I still remember my one line from my 6th Grade play and I got a perfect score on my Algebra Regents exam. I’ve had a French manicure for the past 14 years and I’m not sick of it yet and I was the only girl who wore a black dress to my Senior Prom. I love the smell of rain, I hoard Q-tips and I’ve kept at least one copy of every business card I’ve ever used as a professional. How’s that for the real tea?
“Hi, I’m Elle Woods and this is Bruiser Woods. And we’re both Gemini vegetarians. I have a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from CULA. And I was a Zeta Lambda Nu sweetheart, president of my sorority, Delta Nu, and last year I was homecoming queen. Oh, two weeks ago I saw Cameron Diaz at Fred Segal and I talked her out of buying this truly heinous angora sweater. Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.”
Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Real ID begs the question… how much do you reveal about yourself in public? To family? Friends? Your significant other? And how much do you keep to yourself? Who knows the real you? Is there a secret you’ve been holding in for years and years that not one other person on earth knows? Or one you’ve shared with just one trustworthy pal, the leak of which could cause grave harm or permanently uncomfortable circumstances? Inquiring minds want to know! But the government could care less apparently. And how many secrets do you shelter for friends? What sort of guilty knowledge are you walking around with?
As I’ve gotten older authenticity has gotten so much more important to me. I connect on such a deeper level with those who choose to reveal their imperfect, vulnerable selves. And I am happy to listen, help, offer advice if needed and sympathize. (We listen and we don’t judge.) To me Real ID is showing up as you are and accepting yourself as a work in progress, but still valued and terrific right this very minute. I like to keep it real.
jenslittleblackbook.com 