5. A Patchwork Identity

In postmodern times, men no longer define their identity, by which they live and in which they hope, according to the great traditional models, examples and "myths", be these religion, the family, morals or professional careers. In comparison with young people of the modern era whose faith in progress was essentially intact, today’s youth, stamped by postmodern culture, is skeptical, worried, has no illusions and, unlike the 1968 generation that was in love with "utopia", downright realistic. They distrust both the great "myths" of the past and the promises supposed to shape the future. They know from their own experience the fleeting nature of society’s institutions, of family structures, jobs and man-made promises. They do not know whether they will ever have a job or a profession, how secure the workplace might be or how long their " career" might last. Finding one’s identity in the traditional sectors (profession, family, religion) is no longer the norm. The result is the so-called "Patchwork Identity" (in French, ‘bricolage’) which consists of separate parts and limited experiences and does not follow an existing, integral model. To justify one’s own identity there is not necessarily a need for the "great omniscient authorities". However, in my opinion, it would be wrong to say that young people today are unable to commit themselves and have no capacity for solidarity and loyalty. It is true, though, that today’s youth needs a great deal of space to "get themselves into the act", for " trial and error" and to follow a "Do It Yourself" ethic. This aversion to the great institutions and the great and "sainted" traditions does not, however, mean - as unfortunately is often said - that in postmodern youth there is nothing but narcissism and extreme individualism; on the contrary, there is still a great capacity for commitment, for altruism and solidarity. It is just that the majority are satisfied with temporary alliances; and that they have to safeguard their personal sovereignty. It is not the will to commit themselves that has diminished, but the will to enter into binding or long-term commitments.