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Caitlin LeRoux

Mrs Fortino

English

22 July 2019

Misidentified

The short story, “Identities”, was written by, W.D. Valgardson. The story centers on a

man who decides one day, to take a drive with no particular destination in mind. As the man

comes to pay more attention to his surroundings, he realizes that he is lost, and has travelled into

a seedy area of town. As he drives aimlessly in his Mercedes Benz, he notices that he is being

followed by a gang of young men. The man does not realize though, that a police car is also

following him because he is driving a Mercedes Benz. The story reveals that just like beauty,

identity is in the eye of the beholder. Although the man is relieved to see the police officer, it is

the police officer who identifies the man as a possible thief. As the man reaches for his wallet to

show his identification, the police officer reacts to the man’s movement and shoots him. This

story clearly demonstrates that depending on the perspective, one’s identity may be

misconstrued. While some people see identity as being easily discernible, misconceptions can be

easily formed when the individual’s outward appearance and their environment deceives others

so that their true identity is lost.

One external force that can influence perception of identity, is the environment that an

individual occupies. Valgardson describes the man’s neighbourhood as “the twice-cut yards and
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hundred-year-old oaks”(par 1). The neighbourhood lawns are well-maintained and the presence

of the old oak trees signifies that his neighbourhood is a well-established one. While travelling

in his own neighbourhood, even with “his day-old beard”(par 11) and blue jeans, the man

appears to belong. However, once “he passes the grey stone gates”(par 3) he does not.

Valgardson describes this neighbourhood as a place where, “the houses are squat, as though they

were once taller and have, slowly, sunk into the ground”(par 5). He continues to describe the

people the man sees, “Their hair glistens as though shellacked. Their jackets gleam with studs.

Eagles, tigers, wolves, and serpents ride their backs” (par 4). Through this description,

Valgardson implies these men are gang members and the man has entered into dangerous

territory. Undoubtedly, the man’s neighbourhood allows him to travel with ease and without

suspicion. However, the neighbourhood he loses himself in, brands him a target.

The man’s appearance is also a factor that creates an indiscernible identity. Valgardson

describes the man as someone who, “Normally, goes clean-shaven into the world” (par 1),

however that day he does not shave. The man is also wearing blue jeans, which, at the time, were

not meant for well-established gentlemen. The last piece that muddies the man’s identity is the

Mercedes Benz. The Mercedes Benz is a statement of excess and wealth, yet the man is

unshaven, wearing blue jeans, and is in a dangerous neighbourhood. All these factors lead the

police officer to suspect him of committing a crime. Ironically, the man, “hopes his day-old

beard, combined with his clothes (will) provide immunity”(par 11) from a group of men he finds

intimidating. However, it is these factors that allow the police officer to view the man “as a

potential thief and not as a probable owner”(par 13). Misidentification and an unexplained
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movement leads to the man’s death. Since the police officer, “is nervous because of the

neighbourhood, is suspicious because of the car”(par 13) it creates a situation in which there is

no choice but to shoot. The man thought by looking like he belongs it would “provide immunity”

(Valgardson par 11). It did not.

Determining identity on factors such as environment and outward appearances can be

difficult and lead to incorrect conclusions. These factors are fluid and can change easily, all the

while camouflaging someone’s true identity, and in this case, also the man’s intentions.

Superficial ideas maybe discerned when trying to form an opinion on an individual identity.

However, to state these ideas, unequivocally, will not be accurate or beneficial. Rather, it is

important to understand that these factors add to identity and need to be seen as a part of and not

the whole identity. Treating them as simple and straightforward can complicate situations and

cause irreparable damage.