"The increasing tendency towards seeing people in terms of one dominant ‘identity’ (‘this is your duty as an American’, ‘you must commit these acts as a Muslim’, or ‘as a Chinese you should give priority to this national engagement’) is not only an imposition of an external and arbitrary priority, but also the denial of an important liberty of a person who can decide on their respective loyalties to different groups (to all of which he or she belongs)."

Source: Think a West tolerant intolerance against Muslims is wrong and dangerous. La Stampa Interview with Mario Baudino, Amartya Sen, January 30, 2003.