Malicious Identities

Abstract

This paper discusses fundamental questions of identity in the 21st century, highlighting identity pluralization caused by globalization and its moral, social, and technological implications. It compares the concept of autonomous personhood (Descartes, Kant) with the theory of relational identity (Aristotle, Hegel), demonstrating how identity is shaped through our relationships with others and culture. The article analyzes the phenomenon of "malicious identities," which force individuals into compulsory choices (e.g., persons of mixed race or multicultural background). Through examples like Conchita Wurst or the Elephant Man, it illustrates how social acceptance and alienation shape self-perception. Finally, it addresses the European immigration crisis and the challenges of multiculturalism, which highlight the urgency of identity issues in contemporary politics.