Is group identification a good thing or a bad thing?

I think that this is going to be dependent on a variety of
circumstances.  There needs to be more clarification in the question.  There are times
when group identification can be quite powerful.  For example, the concept of
unionization is one where individuals in a group form solidarity to represent the needs
and demands of one another.  Another form of group identification would be in the form
of social protest.  The demonstration of "Take Back the Night," where those affected by
sexual abuse and sexual violence speak out and form a group identification for
individuals who wish to take a stand against such atrocities is a good thing.  I would
also suggest that the idea of identifying oneself as part of a group can be a good
thing, in general, for it allows the individual to think past one another.  Any social
movement in the world has been one of group identification.  The student protests in the
Arab World that have resulted in massive social change are based on group identification
that demands change and transformation.

I think that there
are plenty of examples where group identification can also be a bad thing.  Any time the
group seeks to silence the voices of others, I am not sure group affiliation is the best
of things.  This can be on a trivial, but significant level in adolescent and
preadolescent relationships regarding bullying and intimidation. The film,
Mean Girls, is a great example of how
group affiliation, namely that of "The Plastics," can be a bad thing.  Group affiliation
that embraces ends of destruction can also be bad.  Al Qaeda or other organizations that
define themselves trough violence and the intentional hurt of others is not good.  The
presence of the Ku Klux Klan or Nazism are examples where group affiliation is morally
repugnant.  In the end, the question requires more clarification as to how group
affiliation can be seen as both good and bad, depending on situation and
context.