Issues of Identity for Individuals with Tourette's
Identity is a unique concept that each individual has, regardless of whether they have Tourette's or not. It is mostly self-determined, but it can be influenced by society and how it views you as an individual. However, those with Tourette's may feel less inclined to express themselves freely due to judgement, even though they are unable to control their tics.
Individuals with Tourette's are afraid of displaying their true identity due to fear of being judged, as their tics (sudden, repetitive motions) may affect their social acceptance. However, many cannot control their tics and instead display who they actually are. Dr. Bennett was one of those individuals who felt that people would be suspicious of doctor with Tourette's. "'A surgeon who twitches! Who needs him? What next?'" (Sacks 87). However, he was mistaken, as patients came to see him (Sacks 87). His fellow colleagues have adjusted to his Tourette's and have gotten used to his tendencies. Sacks describes the scene when Dr. Bennett is lying half-curled on the hospital floor with one foot in the air. Bennett is describing a case of neurofibromatosis as his colleagues pay attention to him. (Sacks 90) "The abnormality of the behavior and the complete normality of the discourse formed an extraordinary contrast. There was something bizarre about the whole scene, but it was evidently so common as to be unremarkable and no longer attracted the slightest notice. But an outsider seeing it would have been stunned" (Sacks 90-91). As can be seen with the fellow doctors, once individuals understand Tourette's, it allows those who have Tourette's to be free and express themselves, like Jess Thom.
