European Identity - Individual, Group and Society - HumanitarianNet

THE EUROPEAN DIMENSION OF EDUCATION 85Many authors coincide in affirming that cultural diversity in theEuropean continent is the biggest obstacle to building a Europeanidentity. Mariniello (1998) pointed out that the problem is generated bythe perception of a homogenising European project seen as a threat tocultures and national identities to which some sectors of the populationof state members are attached. Hence, it is important to developmodels of identification which are valid for all people and permit acombination of national and cultural identity with a supranationalidentity, one that is open, flexible, and evolutionary. This is the modelraised by multilevel nationalisms (Miller, 2000) that emerges when theperson owes loyalty to different levels of communities. The key for thismultilevel nationalism is that the lowest unity of identity must dependon the approval and recognition of the highest identity.Morin (1990) points out that as soon as one wants to think aboutEurope’s cultural identity in a clear and distinctive way he fails, sincethere is nothing unique in its origins and nothing that could be clearlyexclusive for today. In the European essence is found only an ephemeral“European Spirit” or contradictory aspects. The search for a specificEuropean cultural identity is a task undertaken in vain. Europe is not asupranational entity, since there is nothing European that is notpreviously national or regional. Its identity can only be found thoughand within the national diversities, not outside of them.If we look for a characteristic of this “European Spirit,” this is, withouta doubt, precisely its extreme diversity, its contrasting production. Europeis characterised by a surprising diversity and richness of national andregional cultures in a relatively limited space and also by the form itmanifests in creating and developing itself.Models of construction of the European Identity 4European culture has developed with a multitude of interactionsthrough debates and contradictions. The core of the European culturalidentity resides in the capacity to question and reconsider all thecertainties. Nonetheless, as we will see next, the models of constructionof European identity and citizenry that are taking place do notcorrespond with this approach; in fact, they can become a seriousobstacle to developing this European identity.4To enlarge this point consult the chapter of M. A. Marin, “La construcción de laidentidad en la época de la mundializacioón y los nacionalismos.” In M. Bartolomé(coord.) 2002. Identidad y Ciudadanía.