Assignment 2: Representation of Identity in 'The Wire' and 'Ghost Dog'

The different forms of The Wire and Ghost Dog drastically change the way in which the world they are attempting to depict, the USA, is received.  The Wire is an allegorical representation, the narrative having literal relevance but also referring meaning to the larger issues that confine its plot.  For example, in the opening scene of the first episode two characters discuss the way in which the victim of the scene, 'Snot', was given his name.  This relates to processes of nicknaming that may exist in gang culture but also refers to the larger idea of identity formed through past experiences and history - an idea that can largely be applied to the identity of the United States as a culmination of experiences and cultures.

However, Ghost Dog focuses more on the postmodern element of denying a single truth.  It shows a world where ancient cultures exist alongside modernity, paradoxical mobs live with no power and where intertexts are relevant with no outstanding reason.  This evokes a sense of confusion among its audience.  These elements bring to light the idea that identity is not fixed but is changeable, constantly evolving and multiple.  Therefore, the two works although similar in genre create different arguments about the notion of identity, cultural and personal, through the forms that they take.