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Identity and Conflict in Maalouf's View

Amin Maalouf critiques the tribal concept of identity, arguing it fosters division and violence by creating an 'us' versus 'them' mentality. He highlights the immigrant's dilemma of balancing old and new identities, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that respects diverse backgrounds. Maalouf believes that a broader perspective on identity aligns with human rights principles and can lead to greater societal harmony.

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34 views2 pages

Identity and Conflict in Maalouf's View

Amin Maalouf critiques the tribal concept of identity, arguing it fosters division and violence by creating an 'us' versus 'them' mentality. He highlights the immigrant's dilemma of balancing old and new identities, advocating for a more inclusive understanding that respects diverse backgrounds. Maalouf believes that a broader perspective on identity aligns with human rights principles and can lead to greater societal harmony.

Uploaded by

razanmohamedbeshir
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

● 17. What does Maalouf mean by the “tribal concept of identity?

” What does he see


as some of its consequences? Who are “the others?”

○ Maalouf criticizes the tribal concept of identity, noting that it builds


enemies and a gap between "us" and "them," which in the end put an us-
and-them divide and resulted in rejection. He insists that this narrow
identification can further lead to violence in society toward people who do
not belong to that particular culture as "the others."

● 18. What may happen when an individual has two incompatible allegiances?
○ Individuals feel under pressure when they have two incompatible
allegiances and that leads them to choose one identity over the other, which
leads to identity crises or being identified as disloyal by one or both the
group

● 19. How do people who resort to violence sometimes justify it in the name of
identity? What is the relationship between human rights, identity, and conflict?

○ Usually people resort to violence when they feel threatened to define


themselves and their identity, especially when someone tries to attack it.
○ Maalouf contends that this justification stems from a narrow understanding
of identity, leading to conflict. From his point of view , a more inclusive
view of identity aligns with the principles of human rights, as it fosters
understanding and reduces violence.

● 21. What is the immigrant’s dilemma and how would Maalouf solve it?
○ According to Amin Maalouf, what the immigrant faces is the feeling of
being lost between the two places. As soon as someone comes into a new
country, he wishes to fit in but at the same time wants to keep the old
culture. But if he tries too much to adapt, he thinks he has lost his roots. On
the other hand if he holds onto the old ways, he is not fully accepted.
People expect the immigrant to wear only one identity, which makes them
feel more lost. Maalouf claims that individuals shouldn't have to choose.
Countries should not expect immigrants to forget everything they have ever
known but should respect and acknowledge the immigrant's mixed
backgrounds. This would help the immigrants to feel at home in both
places. Were more people to understand it, the world might just be kinder
and more peaceful.

The reflection :

In the Name of Identity by Amin Maalouf he talks about self-definition and he brings
some concepts like rigid and tribal conception of identity. I do agree with Maalouf that an
identity is complex and multifaceted. Classifying people on the basis of their dominant
affiliation whether religious, national, or ethnic tends to create divisions and conflicts that
need not exist. By pointing out the dangers of a narrow mindset, encourages a more
inclusive and nuanced understanding of identity, which today has become even more
essential with globalization.

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