Ghettoizing Identity
Two of the leading models of social integration, the “British” model of cultural pluralism and the “French” model of secular republicanism, have both failed. In their place, multiculturalism has come to the fore, giving to one identity that a person might claim priority over all others.
PARIS – Once, as I picked up the Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen at his hotel, the receptionist asked me if I was his driver. After hesitating, I nodded yes. Among my various identities that day, that of driver was the most obvious to her.