

Todd McGowan, "Universality and Identity Politics" (Columbia UP, 2020)
29 snips Jan 4, 2025
Todd McGowan, a Professor of Film Studies at the University of Vermont, delves into the complexities of universality and identity politics. He argues that universal values like equality and freedom arise from our experiences of their absence. McGowan critically examines the history of Nazism and Stalinism, offering a nuanced view that transcends typical totalitarian narratives. He also discusses how contemporary movements, such as Black Lives Matter, navigate the tension between universality and particularism, urging a reevaluation of identity's role in social struggles.
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Motivation for Writing
- Todd McGowan wrote "Universality and Identity Politics" to challenge critiques of universality.
- He argues that a leftist project needs universality and redefines its meaning.
Universality and Particularity
- McGowan defines universality as the constitutive absence within a social order, shaping identity.
- Particularity is defined by its failure to realize itself within the universal structure.
Left vs. Right
- McGowan frames the left-right divide as a struggle between universality and particularity.
- He argues that the right needs an enemy, while the left embraces inclusivity.