Umm, I don't think we dodged it, it is just that it can't be described to you given the framework that you require. It exists, you can see it all over. The clearest physical expression of collective identity is usually expressed relation to in architecture, local customs, and related activities. Do three friends always hug when they meet, what always happens in groups that takes no individual decision... tons of things. Some families have collective identities, some schools do, and almost all military units do too, which was one of the major military critiques of the 'army of one' campaign. On Aug 4, 2006, at 5:19 PM, Ellis Godard wrote:
Jeremy wrote:
You can't get there from where you are. you have to toss the atomism and start considering that there are molecules and moles which act fundamentally different as a whole than as a collection of atoms.
I'm of course not questioning that collective behavior is distinct from atomistic or unitary behavior. I'm questioning whether "collective identity" meaningfully exists, anywhere - a question you and Elijah both dodged, even though I invited a half dozen kinds of possible responses. For example (again) what is the "collective identity" of this list?
-eg
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