In the Name of Identity Summary

In Amin Maaloufs book In the Name of Identity Maalouf emphasizes that we should non judge people on champion singular identity operator. He argues that, Identity cant be compartmentalized. You cant divide it up into halves or thirds or any another(prenominal) separate segments. I havent got several identities Ive got just one, made up of many components in mixture that is unique to me, just as other peoples identity is unique to them as individuals. The essence of Maaloufs argument is that one should not throttle another based solely on a singular component of their identity simply rather their identity as a whole.In chapter one, Maalouf suggest that, People commit crime nowadays in the name of religious, ethnic, national, or some other kind of identity. Massacres, racial discrimination, and holocausts have all been done in the name of defending a genius component of ones identity. Maalouf makes a valid point when he writes, Whats known as an identity card carries the holde rs family name, given name, date and place of birth, photograph, a list of certain physical features, the holders signature and sometimes too his fingerprints. Proving that clubhouse as a whole selects individual components of their identity to define themselves. According to Maalouf, identity is defined as,A do of elements, and these are clearly not restricted to the particulars set down in official records. Of course, for the expectant bulk these factors include allegiance to a religious tradition to a nationality sometimes two to a profession, an institution, or a particular social milieu. But the list is much longer than that it is virtually unlimited. Maalouf celebrates the fact that identity is extremely complex.Each person has a single identity, although each identity is made up of many components, make not one to be the same. In chapter two Maalouf tries to examine his own identity. Maalouf claims he is not move to find one singular part of his identity to define him self but rather find instances that define him. Maalouf admits, As you may imagine, my object is not to discoer within myself some essential allegiance in which I may recognize my self. Rather the opposite I scour my memory to find as many ingredients of my identity as I can. Throughout chapter two Maalouf goes into great detail about what defines him. He clearly states that it is not one component, for instance coming from an Arab background and being a Christian. He does not deny himself of either identity, but instead embraces them both. Maalouf claims that the more allegiances one has the rarer ones identity is. He clearly states, Every one of my allegiance links me to a large number of people, But the more ties I have the rarer and more particular my own identity becomes. Towards the end of chapter two he claimes society generalizes and puts individual components of ones identity and judges them based solely on that single component. Maalouf complicates matters further when he writes, We gayly express sweeping judgments on a whole peoples, calling them hardworking and ingenious, or lazy, touchy, sly, proud, or obstinate. He claims that these judgments often lead to bloodshed. In chapter three maalouf states, Identity isnt given once and for all it is trope up and changes throughout a persons lifetime. The essence of Maaloufs argument is our identity changes over time and different components are added everyday, changing our identity as a whole. He gives a great example of an African baby born in New York, compared to if it was born in Lagos, Pretoria, or Launda. The minor would have completely different experiences by the age of 10, and each experience would drastically change its identity. Maalouf also argues that people view themselves by the allegiance that is most threatened. Thus, the reason Maalouf believes killers are made.He argues that, We have only the events of the pass few years to see what any human community that feels humiliated or fe ars for its existence willing tend to produce killers. It his human nature to defend ones self when feeling threatened. Maalouf agrees when he says, There is a Mr. Hyde inside each of us. What we have to do is prevent the conditions occurring that will bring the giant star forth. In conclusion Maalouf urges us to prevent our selves from generalizing each other based on a single component of ones identity. He argues that this will prevent wars, murders, and holocausts.