--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Identification then becomes a process of…" description: "\"“Identification then becomes a process of imaginative wish fulfillment which can be, and is, criticized from at least two points of view. The moralists..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6eb/john-fiske-29578_identity_identification-then-becomes-a-process-of_1824364.jpg" --- # Identification then becomes a process of imaginative wish… ![“Identification then becomes a process of imaginative wish fulfillment which can be, and is, criticized from at least two points of view. The moralists criticize it on the grounds that it is mere escapism, and in encouraging people to imagine a better existence for themselves discourages them from…” quote by John Fiske](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6eb/john-fiske-29578_identity_identification-then-becomes-a-process-of_1824364.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6eb/john-fiske-29578_identity_identification-then-becomes-a-process-of_1824364.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6eb/john-fiske-29578_identity_identification-then-becomes-a-process-of_1824364.jpg) > ““Identification then becomes a process of imaginative wish fulfillment which can be, and is, criticized from at least two points of view. The moralists criticize it on the grounds that it is mere escapism, and in encouraging people to imagine a better existence for themselves discourages them from working to achieve it in reality. At the other end of the spectrum, the ideologists argue that identification is the process whereby the values of the dominant ideology are naturalized into the desires, almost the instincts, of the individual, and are thus endlessly reproduced and perpetuated.”” [John Fiske](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-fiske/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that identification can be seen as wish‑fulfillment, which may lead to escapism, or as a means by which dominant ideologies become internalized, perpetuating those ideologies. **In simple terms:** Identification can be escapism or a tool for ideology. Key Takeaway Beware of passive fantasies and hidden ideological influence. Themes media studies psychology political theory culture identity Mood critical reflective analytical Type theoretical critical observational When to use this quote - film analysis - personal goal setting - social activism - education - critical thinking Key Concepts wish fulfillment escapism ideological naturalization reproduction of power Questions to Reflect On - How do you distinguish healthy imagination from escapism? - In what ways might your desires reflect broader cultural narratives? A Different Perspective It may overlook individuals' agency to resist or reinterpret dominant narratives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argue Identification](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argue-identification-2221056/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Ideologists Argue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideologists-argue-2221054/) [Ideology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideology/) [Ideology Naturalized](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideology-naturalized-2221052/) [Moralists Criticize](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moralists-criticize-2221057/) ## Related quotes > [I have a way to photograph. 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