Blog #6

Cancilinis' discussion of national identity has brought to light the idea of shifts in individual culture and identity. These new ideas are being passed on from generation to generation. From this comes a sense of mixed identity or hybrid identity. For past generations these sorts of ideas and issues were not present. So as new generations arise they are faced with these questions, and have little help from their elders. MREs are an example of this mixed identity. Being of Moroccan descent, they are faced with adversity and national identity conflicts. These Moroccans sometimes have generations before them that have lived this way, but for many it is a new experience. It can be a very difficult situation to deal with when some family members choose one identity, while others may have chosen another. This can be more of an issues for some families than others.
I read the testimonial of Toutouh Hakim for instance. Toutouh has lived in Nador for most of his life, and has been an ice cream vendor for close to thirty years. He sells his ice cream year round, and for him it is a way of life. He did not have many other options. His parents ran the ice cream business for many years before he took over. Hakim goes on to discuss sales, and his customer base, most of which being European or MREs. This to me is a great example of a family who has overcome the issues of national identity. They continue to be successful from generation to generation despite where they were born. And despite where they live now as adults. They have taken on this mixed national identity with a vision of tomorrow, and the courage to overcome despite it.