Review: In the Name of IdentityEditorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsThe latest attempt to explain the propensity of civilized nations to repeatedly engage in the massacre of their neighbors, a practice alternately known as genocide, race riots, ethnic cleansing, and, simply, mass murder. Distinguished Lebanese novelist Maalouf (Ports of Call, 1999, etc.), long-time resident of France, focuses on the universal human need for a sense of identity. When it's threatened or simply denigrated, individuals seethe with resentment. Yet this murderous need to belong is absurdly changeable, dependant on history, politics, geography, or economics. Thus, being black provides no sense of identity throughout much of Africa. In Nigeria, one is Ibo or Hausa, in Rwanda, Hutu or Tutsi, a difference that can be a matter of life and death. To those who move to the US this becomes unimportant: every black is black above all. The author looks not unkindly on America's preoccupation with political correctness. No movie can cast a black as a criminal without other blacks in admirable roles, such as police chief. Maalouf regards this as a reasonable effort of a multicultural society to avoid marginalizing any group. Worldwide, the greatest threat to individual identity is globalization, promoted by developed countries (and threatening to the undeveloped), and led by the US (provoking resentment by everyone). Globalism is really a synonym for modernization: technology, relaxed morals, a breakdown in tradition. The author stresses that all this is an entirely western phenomenon, which means it's a Christian phenomenon. With this in mind, the explosion of Islamic fundamentalism becomes less a mystifying religious ideology than an effort to preserve self-respect in the face of a menacing foreign ideology. As an Arab, a Christian, and an exile, Maalouf draws on long experience with the stress of holding onto an identity not shared by most of his neighbors. A convincing thesis from a wise and civilized voice. User reviewsReview: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Rhonda - GoodreadsThis book offers another lens through which we can further explore the multi-dimensions of identity. Amin's conversational style of writing lacks the academic rigour of elaboration and substantiation ... Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - bbbbbbrr - GoodreadsInteresting analysis of identity and conflict. Sometimes over simplifies problems or idealizes motives. Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Andrea Walker - GoodreadsThis is an absolutely fascinating topic, that I've never really thought much about. I am me. Yes I'm South African, female, an Aspie, arthritic, a librarian, an archaeologist, a wife, a roleplayer ... Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Conrad Le guen - GoodreadsThis book is a must read to whoever tries to understand all the current conflicts in the world, their roots, their futility, their atrocity. It explores the dark side of human soul, and how tyrans use ... Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Lokman - GoodreadsIt basically argues that a person is an amalgamation of all whom he interacts with or the places he visits. So, the more well travelled or the more receptive a person is of other cultures and people ... Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Marina - GoodreadsFantastic book. Quick read, just to tickle the brain and get you thinking about how we perceive ourselves and others in this world. Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Alexa - GoodreadsI kept waiting for Maalouf to say something significant. It never peaked. In the Name of Identity was a mess of personal reflections with brief examples of historical conflict thrown in. The end ... Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - mharipin - Goodreadsidentity is always 'temporary.' Read full review Review: In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to BelongUser Review - Sarah Nicole - GoodreadsOh, wow. I was not expecting to find this book, more than 10 years after its publication (and references to events current at the time), still so unbelievably relevant and meaningful today. But I ... Read full review | User ratings| 5 stars | | | 4 stars | | | 3 stars | | | 2 stars | | | 1 star | |
All reviews - 17 3 stars - 0 All reviews - 17 All reviews - 17 |
