The increasing tendency towards seeing people in terms of one dominant 'identity' {'this is your duty as an American', 'you must commit these acts as a Muslim', or 'as a Chinese you should give priority to this national engagement'} is not only an imposition of an external and arbitrary priority, but also the denial of an important liberty of a person who can decide on their respective loyalties to different groups {to all of which he or she belongs}.
Amartya Sen discusses the growing inclination to define individuals through a singular identity, such as being an American, a Muslim, or a Chinese citizen. This narrow perspective imposes external expectations on people, limiting them to one particular duty or allegiance. It reduces the richness of their identities by forcing them into predefined roles dictated by society.
By emphasizing a single identity, this approach disregards the complex realities of personal loyalties and...
