Koliko je važno nositi steznik: identitet vs. identifikacija
The Importance of Keeping the Corset On: Identity vs. Identification

Summary/Abstract: In one of the key points of departure in his almost quarter–century-long identity quest, the philosopher and cultural critic Akeel Bilgrami claims that the concept of identity: “has had its corset removed and hangs loosely and precariously in the domain of culture and politics.” I see such taking over of identity by the domain of cultural studies without carefully consulting the field of philosophy as somewhat problematic. The reason is the following: current research in cultural studies reminds us that, regardless of its place, culture has the leading role not only in definitions of identities but also in their stability. That is: if identities are ‘just’ in a culture – they (should) change with each particular culture. Culturally changeable then, they change a person’s sense of self (depending on what culture one confronts). Culturally determined and adaptable, identities seem to lack stability in any philosophical sense. If they lack stability, is it safe to assume that they do not exist as such, but only as cultural attributions prone to constant change? I believe that a reconnection of a kind is needed in repositioning and redefining concepts of identity.

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