

Downstream: This Is Why the Right Are Winning w/ Ash Sarkar
9 snips Feb 17, 2025
Ash Sarkar, a prominent British left-wing journalist and author of 'Minority Rule', dives into the complexities of identity politics and its impact on progressive movements. She critiques how identity politics evolved from its anti-capitalist roots to a focus on individualism, questioning its effectiveness in fostering social change. Sarkar discusses the disconnect between elite education and working-class realities, alongside the media’s role in polarizing political discourse. With sharp insights, she addresses the challenges of navigating modern political landscapes and cultural movements.
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Identity as a Cage
- Identity politics frames inherent differences as opposing interests.
- It fosters competition for attention, weakening collective power crucial for societal change.
1960s/70s Movements
- The Combahee River Collective used identity to analyze capitalism's impact, not to claim victimhood.
- The Black Panthers prioritized shared anti-capitalist goals over linguistic differences.
The Backlash Against Woke
- Woke politics has fueled a backlash, allowing offensive language back into workplaces.
- It failed to address structural racism or improve material conditions for marginalized groups.