From Identity Crisis to Self-Discovery: The Power of Miles Morales’ Journey
In this era of confusion, change, and uncertainty, we all unanimously agree that personal growth holds immense value. The self-help industry gained even more prominence during the pandemic.
We witnessed an increase in books, articles, videos, and individuals seeking guidance, despite the prevailing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
However, today, I want to shift our focus away from the familiar topic of growth and discuss something different yet vital in today’s digital age. Today, we embark on a journey into the spider-verse.
The first time I watched the film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” it not only prompted me but also many others to alter our perspectives on ourselves and our social surroundings.
The film adeptly captures the struggles of change and self-discovery, which are prominently explored through our protagonist, Miles.
Miles exemplifies the idea that struggle and change are essential for personal growth and development. He serves as a reminder of a valuable lesson we ought to acknowledge, especially in today’s society.
Many of us tend to neglect the significance of struggle and change, opting instead for comfort and immediate gratification. Unfortunately, this choice often leaves us feeling stagnant or immature in our journey through life.
The side effect of idols on identity
An identity crisis is undoubtedly a painful experience, characterized by various struggles. However, Miles demonstrates that these moments of anguish can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and advancement.
Throughout the film, Miles finds himself in the midst of an identity crisis, a journey filled with painful struggles aimed at discovering his true self. In the initial stages of the story, Miles adopts a false identity, influenced by his Uncle Aaron.
The way he casually walks past his old school is indicative of how he emulates his uncle’s demeanour and vibe. Yet, this portrayal does not truly reflect who he is at his core; it represents the person he aspires to be.
It is only when we start noticing inconsistencies in his behaviour that we catch glimpses of his true identity, distinct from the facade he has created.
Miles’ constructed persona is disrupted when he enters his new school and attempts to use it as a means to make friends. However, his efforts backfire, particularly when he tries to mimic Uncle Aaron’s traits to befriend Gwen Stacy.
Ironically, this endeavour ends up severing their connection, highlighting the dissonance between his desired image and his true self. As a result, his confidence wavers, revealing a lack of self-assurance that contrasts with the confidence he previously displayed in the movie.
This persistent lack of confidence continues until he ultimately uncovers his genuine identity. Miles’ pursuit of mirroring Uncle Aaron’s image reflects the prevalent tendency among people today to craft a false identity based on those we idolize.
While it is natural for humans to emulate those we admire, we must also recognize that this chosen identity does not genuinely reflect who we are. This realization often leads to feelings of imposter syndrome or an identity crisis. After all, as human beings, we are inclined to mimic everything in our environment from the moment we are born.
We imitate our parents, friends, idols — everything around us. This inclination is natural and, to some extent, healthy. However, there comes a point when we must question whether the identity we have adopted truly aligns with our authentic selves.
This self-reflection is crucial as it signifies our willingness to challenge our beliefs and seek meaningful change, assessing whether our actions and aspirations truly benefit or hinder our personal growth. Miles’ interactions and character exemplify how we begin to question our own identity.
It is through recognizing inconsistencies within our motivations and behaviours that we are prompted to introspect and examine who we truly are.
The pursuit of growth through struggles and adversities
Miles experiences significant growth when he fully embraces his own identity and embraces the mantle of Spider-Man. He learns to confront and overcome the challenges life throws at him without turning a blind eye to them.
The directors skillfully showcase his character development through the use of paradoxes in the film, leading to powerful moments that shape Miles’ journey.
Similar to other Spider-Man stories, the loss of a beloved individual serves as the catalyst for the transformation of characters like Parker, Morales, or Stacy into Spider-Man. In Miles’ case, it is the death of his beloved Uncle Aaron, the person he desperately sought to emulate.
The paradox lies in the fact that the growth of one individual is triggered by the loss of another.
When we experience the loss of a loved one in our lives, we often feel compelled to honour their memory by living a life that we believe would make them proud. It is through this experience of death and loss that we come to a profound realization about the true value of life.
The death of Miles’ Uncle Aaron is not intended to signify his complete departure from the false identity he had pursued. Instead, it serves as a poignant reminder to Miles about the preciousness of life and the significance of being Spider-Man.
The track “What’s Up Danger” perfectly captures this notion, as it incorporates elements of Uncle Aaron’s identity as the Prowler through the siren noise played at the beginning. This lingering connection to his uncle’s identity remains even as Miles embraces his own journey as Spider-Man, becoming his own distinct person, separate from both Peter Parker and Uncle Aaron.
Miles’ progression throughout the film sheds light on the pitfalls of idolizing others, as it often tempts us to mimic their actions without considering our own needs or the impact on those around us.
Miles teaches us that it is more important to look up to someone as a guide in finding our true selves, rather than assuming we are destined to become an exact replica of them. These paradoxes and relationships depicted in the film further reinforce this lesson that Miles imparts. They serve as building blocks for both Miles’ and our own individual character development, shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
How To Be Yourself
As Miles embarks on his journey, we discover the significance of embracing change and adversities in our lives.
These experiences serve as catalysts for personal growth, whereas rejecting them and adopting a false persona only leads to chaos and inner turmoil.
Miles’ story also emphasizes the importance of forging meaningful connections with others and remaining resilient in the face of hardships. It is through these connections and resilience that we can evolve into the best version of ourselves.
When we disregard the struggles and suffering in our lives, we miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and transformation. By overcoming the dilemmas and hardships we encounter, we ultimately reach a point of growth and self-discovery. Our unique identity begins to emerge, shaped by the struggles and suffering we have conquered along the way.
It is when we fully accept all the elements necessary for our identity to flourish — our families, schools, friends, and purpose — that we become worthy of embracing our true selves.
– Inspired By —
The Sound of Spider-Verse | https://bit.ly/3INu0eB
Spider-Verse | Leap of Faith | https://bit.ly/43bHfxW
