PHILOSOPHY OF NATIONAL / PERSONAL SELF-IDENTIFICATION IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

Abstract

In the contemporary open communicative space the phenomenon of globalization is a given that affects all aspects of human life. Though not new in the historical perspective, its character today is different in cognitive and existential aftereffects and also in the scope of its prevalence. Its especially strong influence is felt in the modifications and changes within the sphere of national / individual cultural identity. The impact of these processes on collective consciousness, historical memory, social harmony and language is twofold. On the one hand, they develop, enrich and diversify the content of life. On the other, they feed tendencies for separation. The interaction of these processes generates a crisis of identity. Living in the situation of linguistic / cultural difference / plurality corrodes the idea of personal / social self-identity.

The problem of intercultural interference has always been urgent in the USA. It was comprehensively discussed in pragmatism, which offered a sensible method of dealing with misunderstanding and conflict of cultural diversity. Pragmatism did not agree with the theory of assimilation – the melting pot theory, offered by R. Emerson. Neither did it agree with the theory of segregation – the supremacy of white America. Instead it proposed the idea of multiculture based on the metaphor of orchestra, i.e. recognizing a confederation of cultures. Like in an orchestra each culture adds its voice in the melodious unity, each culture is equally important in creating a harmonious whole.

The idea of multiculture suggests a special type of social inclusiveness, where every culture is treated as an equally important participant in joint socially motivated activity.