2000 Quote by Phil Hine
““As the social matrix becomes increasingly subject to rapid fluctuations, throwing out anchors into a collectivised past becomes more prominent than movement into a future. The desire to establish a core identity within the profusion of styles has led to image building becoming an industry in itself—as much reflected by the tactics of political groups and corporate bodies, as in the fetishistic scramble for designer labels and trendy occult symbols. Identity has, therefore, become another commodity to be traded in the marketplace. The gulf between objective icons and the Illusory has widened to such an extent that illusions have come to equal value.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Age of Identity Commodification, 2015
In a fast‑changing society, people cling to past symbols while turning identity into a marketable product, blurring real and fake value.
In simple terms: Identity is treated as a commodity, mixing past and future symbols.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the commodification of personal identity.
Themes
identity
consumerism
culture
media
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- marketing campaigns
- political branding
- personal branding
- fashion trends
- social media
Key Concepts
symbolism
commodification
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does commodified identity affect personal authenticity?
- What alternatives exist to resist identity as a market?
A Different Perspective
The view may overstate the uniformity of identity commodification across cultures.
