The human kind has always been led by controversy. An excellent example is demonstrated perfectly in Homer's work, where lucky is considered the one that gets to honourable death in the battlefield, but also the one that gets to live till they are very very old. That was one of the many controversies that has been ruling the various eras of humankind. The controversy that rules our time is our strong wish to reconnect to the past and a vital subconscious need not to differ from others. One may wonder why there is a controversy between the two, why can't someone want to reconnect with his roots while also being the same with others. To understand that one needs to analyze its aspect separately and only when understanding its one in depth can he analyze them as a reality.

The wish to reconnect 

The wish to reconnect to the past, is something that has always been occupying the human mind, but I feel like nowadays, is stronger than it has ever been before. This strong wish to reconnect with the past has nothing to do with reconnecting with nature, rather than with the various civilizations, traditions, costumes, food, music and much more. It has to do with people trying to understand the culture that they come from and embrace it in their everyday lives. This wish has grown stranger the past few years due to globalizations. The lines between the different cultures have been as blur as ever and the realization of that somewhat seems to frighten people. They are afraid that they start losing the very essence of who they truly are. This phenomenon is very differently experienced by its populations, as the countries in Asia and Africa have maintained stronger connection with their past and traditions unlike the most European countries, America and Australia.

The need not to differ

The subconscious need not to differ has mainly to do with social media and the way people, especially teenagers feel the need to follow a specific standard to feel accepted. This happens because this similarity creates social groups, something that people have been seeking from the beginning of their history. Belonging and being approved creates a feeling of safety and security among the members of the group. It is like being committed to an unspoken oath to always stand up for each other. This situation is one of the biggest contributors to this rapid evolution of globalization as people from all over the world are forming social groups based on the same standards that are being projected to them through social media. So, this comfort that belonging creates makes following a standard appealing.

The reality we live in

Having analyzed its aspect separately, it is vital that we acknowledge this controversy as our reality. A reality that can be proven through many examples. There are many posts on social media with traditional recipes slightly altered to match the platform's aesthetic, or the same people posting one day how they follow their heritage fashion, while the next they follow the global trends. Another example is the diaspora communities that are fighting to stay connected with their routes but at the same time they want to fit into their host societies.

This debate also raises key issues when it comes to identity. While trying to reconcile both the past and the present, individuals often develop hybrid identities that are forms of heritage combined with global culture. This blending is seen in language, fashion, or even in everyday habits, creating a reality that is neither fully immersed in heritage nor completely detached from it. Instead, it is a constant negotiation of who we are and how we want to be perceived. In some sense, the paradox is not only testing people but also empowers them, offering them the freedom to redefine their identity.

Concluding

In conclusion, paradoxes are an inseparable part of human nature. This particular paradox, the wish to reconnect with the past and the subconscious need to belong, is not a sign of flawed reasoning but of the very essence of being human. One preserves our roots, the other builds our communities. Perhaps their co-existence should remain, since without it, we would lose both the memory of where we come from and the connection that ties us to one another.