European Identity - Individual, Group and Society - HumanitarianNet

WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY EUROPE 43unfounded fear in the results of the dehumanizing aspect of globalization.Without therefore denying that Europe, together with its particularlocalized diversity, “is part of a complex and multiple range of identities” 16 ,as we have indicated in previous pages.It is appropriate to add that the current fear of losing a supposedparticular identity is usually the hallmark of groups that are radicalizedin their political expression. This explains how the new far right defendslocal and regional interests, rejecting the presence of immigrants andonce again claiming an exclusive nationalism expressed in a violent andxenophobic manner. “The weakness of the European left” is blamed forthe reappearance of such totalitarian formulations. In our opinion, thisexplanation needs to be qualified. Nowadays the generalized democraticconscience, despite existing weaknesses, would be enough to eradicatesuch racist forms of expression, such fanaticism. An educational andcivic policy is missing, however, in which the respect for diversity in all itsmanifestations is inherent in civilized society around us.“Conscious Europeanism” as a guarantee of the Great EuropeLet us now focus our interest on the near future in which ourEuropean identity will have to be re-considered, which no doubtamounts to placing ourselves in a complex situation. For perhaps wehave focussed a good deal of our identity in that cultural unitysometimes not very clearly outlined, re-assessing fundamental elementsof our history every step of the way, to the detriment of newconceptions on our Europeanism.“Conscious Europeanism”, to which one constantly calls on atpresent, as the driving force of an enlargement that is just around thecorner, goes beyond what we have experienced up to now.Our belonging to an extensive geographic area that we call Europe;the quest for economic progress coincident with sustainable developmentwhich will make our continent long-lasting; socio-political awareness atthe basis of a transparent, participatory democratic coexistence; themaintenance of peace in whatever manifestation, all this and muchmore should reinforce our identity.A task of consolidating the foundations of our identity, which notimplies only implies appealing once again to the lights and shadows ofthe “collective memory”, but also to make it move to become the16Cox, Pat: in “Europa a debate”, no. 1/2002.