Identity Politics Is Not Helping Us Move Forward

In all this talk about identity politics, it’s getting hard to see the forest for the trees. All the concern about 'wokeness' is more about the very polarizing ‘black and white’ and very little about the grey, making it hard to achieve any kind of real understanding about what’s really at stake.

The debate around DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives is particularly contentious, with much of the tension arising from how equity is handled, in particular the often resultant overcompensation in an attempt to level the playing field. We know that, indeed, sometimes the pendulum must swing too far, on the road to reaching the desired result.

Identity politics is more about accentuating the divide than solving the problem. It tends to emphasize differences rather than finding common ground, leading to entrenched positions and a lack of progress.  

The ultimate goal in all the chatter is equality, where there is no reason to treat people differently, and where individuals are judged based on character, ability, and merit. But equity is how we get there, because like it or not, people have not always been treated fairly and as result, are not starting from the same position. Achieving the ultimate goal of equality is a delicate balancing act that is often underappreciated by both the left and right, with each often using it as a tool to divide rather than to build empathy and understanding.

The challenge lies in navigating the delicate balance between equity and equality. While equity aims to address historical and systemic injustices by providing support to those who have been disadvantaged, it can sometimes be perceived as unfair by those who feel they are being overlooked or penalized. This perception can fuel resentment and further polarize the debate.

To move forward, it's essential to foster open and empathetic dialogue that acknowledges the complexities of these issues. Recognizing that both equity and equality are necessary for a just society can help bridge the divide.

By focusing on shared goals and values, rather than differences, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

This, of course, requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to listen to and learn from each other, a practice that unfortunately seems to be in short supply.

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An appropriate visual metaphor for identity is the Reuleaux triangle, a rounded shape that forms when three circles overlap more fully, creating a smooth, continuous area rather than rigid sections. It’s a shape without sharp boundaries, representing how identities interact and influence each other fluidly. When we think of identity through this Reuleaux triangle lens, we recognize that a person’s identity isn’t just a combination of distinct labels. Instead, it’s a blend where race, socioeconomic status, family roles, community and other aspects merge together to shape real experiences. 

Identity politics is politics based on a particular identity, such as ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, denomination, gender, sexual orientation, social background, caste, and social class. The term encompasses various often-populist political phenomena and rhetoric, such as governmental migration policies that regulate mobility and opportunity based on identities, left-wing agendas involving intersectional politics or class reductionism, and right-wing nationalist agendas of exclusion of national or ethnic "others." 1

The idiom “can’t see the forest for the trees” means that one is so engrossed in details that one fails to see the bigger picture or the overarching situation. 

• It signifies that the parts are distracting you from comprehending the whole.2 

• The phrase is often used when someone is overly focused on individual issues or tasks, losing sight of the overall objectives or goals.3 

• It can also mean that someone is feeling overwhelmed by details.4

Here are some articles that discuss the potential drawbacks of identity politics and its impact on societal progress:

1. Democrats: Don’t abandon identity politics: get them right: This article argues that the issue with Democrats' identity politics isn't the concept itself, but the way it's applied. He suggests that Democrats have been overly simplistic, compartmentalizing people into single dimensions rather than embracing the layered and intersecting identities that shape real lives. Buckner emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to identity politics to build a lasting coalition

2. Identity Politics is Not an Effective Way Forward: This article argues that identity politics, especially under the Biden administration, prioritizes demographic characteristics over qualifications. It suggests that this approach can be demeaning and discriminatory, as it implies individuals cannot achieve success without government intervention. The article highlights concerns about affirmative action and the potential harm of lowering objective standards for women and minorities.

3. Identity Politics Is Not Dead, It Just Needs To Get More Radical: This article argues that while identity politics has its place, it often gets co-opted by institutions to maintain the status quo rather than challenge it.

4. Identity Politics Loses Its Power: This piece suggests that the overemphasis on identity politics can alienate potential allies and hinder progress on broader social issues.

5. Identity politics pluses and minuses and continuing impact: This article provides a balanced view of identity politics, acknowledging its benefits while also highlighting its limitations.

6. In victory or defeat, reckoning with the racial politics of the 2024 election will help the country move forward: This article discusses how the racial politics of the 2024 election exposed the limitations of identity politics and the need for a more inclusive approach.

7. Identity politics failed the left: This article argues that identity politics has led to the fragmentation of the left and has hindered its ability to effectively address systemic issues.

8. How to Move on From the Worst of Identity Politics: This article argues that while most Americans agree that racism and sexism are still issues, identity politics has often been misapplied. He suggests that Democrats need to align more closely with everyday voters by focusing on broader issues rather than emphasizing race, sex, and other identities as the most important aspects of a person.

It's important to note that these articles represent a range of perspectives on identity politics. Some argue that it is a necessary tool for marginalized groups to advocate for their rights, while others believe that it can be divisive and counterproductive.