"It seems to me that often (if not always) using the term
"identity" inspires and supports a special action of separation of individual
or a group from another social group. In this context, identity is an
ideology of separation (among possible others -- e.g., supremacy)."
While I agree that this is often an effect of the rigid boundary-making
identity moves of some individuals and institutions, another goal is always
present that is its opposite--creating solidarity. The construction of an
identity is also at the same moment that it distinguishes one that brings
together different people under a set of values, a cause, a fight against
oppression, etc. So it is often this function that is highlighted by
identity politics theorists and others who seek to rally behind the notion of
identity to articulate a self-defined viewpoint from which to deflect
demeaning images of one's group.
Also, I think Eugene's warning is an important one, and one thing that I
always emphasize is that the construction of identity cannot help but be
formed in relation to other identities, and that we should take care not to
disparage those Other identities in the process of constructing our own.
The construction of difference, in other words, does not necessarily
require that one side of the difference be cast in entirely negative terms
(see Penuel & Wertsch, 1995).
Reference
Penuel, W.R. & Wertsch, J.V. (1995). Dynamics of negation in the
construction of cultural self and cultural other. _Culture and Psychology_,
_1_, 343-359.
Bill Penuel
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