Ethnicity and a New Type of Identity

The nature of identity as contemplated by Dr Dominique Bouchet (box 13.9) in our text , marks a departure from the demographic definition traditionally used by organizations. Rather than physical characteristics, or "country of origin," post modern identity is a selective and strategic expression of individual style (p. 400) that demonstartes particular elements of one culture, while embedded in another. Although professor Bouchet cites North African immigrants to France as her example, the same holds true for immigrants to the United States who continue to practice the unique cultural traditions of their homeland, while adopting elements of American culture. Ultimately, practices within a diverse society often become a hybrid of influences. Within the constrains of traditional business organizations however, diversity is often reduced to token expressions such as "Cinco de Mayo" day in the cafeteria.