Is it possible to become invisible in this society? Is it possible to talk about vulnerable individuals at high risk of marginalization and exclusion ? A subject's entire being consists, first and foremost, in being perceived, hence the idea of being perceived in order to be . George Berkeley's philosophical concept of " esse est percipi ."
In search of lost recognition
Often, in our society, we are surrounded by a series of issues and problems that hide under the spectre of purely individual or family concerns, despite being highly social. There are people who live a constant feeling of being excluded from the social context, excluded from the great stage of life , relegated to the abyss of invisibility. These are individuals whose lack of recognition leads them to lead a life devoid of any relevance, as if they were castaways in a sea of transparency. Social recognition , however, is one of the most important factors in creating the identity of a problem, that is, its perception and identification. Feeling seen is a human need; it is natural to want to be considered; being taken into consideration means affirming oneself and being recognized. Remaining invisible in the eyes of an all too often blind society leads to indifference to fragility , to indifference towards realities close to us that we do not perceive as needy but which we consider distant from us, failing to feel called to responsibility and response.
How to go back to “being”
Since we live today in a society where everything is news, it is essential that those in need, the most exposed and defenseless, become a little less invisible in order to avoid being marginalized . Hence the idea of the importance of being perceived in order to be considered existing and valued. Consideration of a subject or a social issue, in fact, allows for awareness of a reality. To be means to exist , to exist means to be part of real things, which, as real, must be recognized; without recognition, there is no sense of self. Increasingly, in our society, there are issues and people who are not given the attention and recognition they deserve. Indeed, it is evident that in modern society, more often than not, total indifference prevails towards these issues. We should all ensure that society is always attentively engaged in the defense of existence, especially in moments when it requires greater attention. We all have the responsibility to ensure that everyone feels part of the community to which they belong.
Maria Russo
