The article investigates the promises and pitfalls of multiculturalism as a critical paradigm. In particular, it analyses the key notions of culture, identity and cultural difference to point to their potentially problematic meanings. The first part of the essay approaches the three concepts against the background of the contemporary globalization debate, and the Huntington's thesis of the "clash of civilization". The second part examines the conflict at the primary school of Bršljin and its media representation which is seen asa local articulation of the Huntington's thesis. In conclusion, the author argues for a reconsideration of multiculturalism, as derived from conceptual framework of postcolonial theory and cultural studies, which pertains to the relational structure of identity.
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