Lionel Shriver, a novelist and journalist known for her provocative insights, argues that identity politics is fracturing society. In contrast, Dawn Foster, a columnist for the Guardian, and David Lammy, a Labour MP, defend identity politics as a necessary tool for social justice. Trevor Phillips, former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, joins Shriver in expressing concern over societal divisions. The panel delves into whether these movements promote equity or deepen societal divides, sparking a dynamic discussion full of personal anecdotes and reflective arguments.
01:04:23
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Changing Political Landscape
Kamal Ahmed, at 51, recalls a time when politics was simpler, focused on left vs. right and nuclear war.
Younger people today prioritize respect over acceptance and focus on identity issues.
insights INSIGHT
Identity as Confinement
Lionel Shriver argues that identity politics reduces individuals to their group affiliations, hindering personal growth.
She believes true liberation comes from breaking free of these imposed categories.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Intersectionality and Policy
Dawn Foster emphasizes her multiple identities and how they intersect with her political views.
She argues that identity politics broadens policy discussions and promotes equality.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Mandibles is a dystopian novel exploring themes of societal collapse, economic instability, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows a family's struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by economic turmoil and environmental disaster. The novel's exploration of resource scarcity, social unrest, and the breakdown of traditional systems offers a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization. The characters' resourcefulness and determination to rebuild their lives in the face of adversity highlight the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mandibles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Windrush
75 Years of Modern Britain
Mike Phillips
Trevor Phillips
This book tells the story of Britain's transformation through the eyes of the Windrush generation and their descendants. It explores the cultural and political legacy of the Windrush era, marking its 75th anniversary. The authors, Trevor and Mike Phillips, provide a comprehensive look at how these migrants became integral to British society.
His Dark Materials
Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" is a fantasy trilogy following Lyra Belacqua as she journeys through a parallel universe where humans are accompanied by daemon companions. The series explores themes of free will, religious dogma, and the nature of truth. Lyra's adventures involve encounters with witches, armored bears, and other fantastical creatures. The trilogy's complex plot and philosophical depth have earned it critical acclaim and a devoted following.
We Need to Talk about Kevin
Kate Mosse
Lionel Shriver
The novel is written from the perspective of Eva Khatchadourian, the mother of Kevin, who committed a mass murder at his high school. The story is told through a series of letters from Eva to her estranged husband, Franklin. It delves into themes such as the nature vs. nurture debate, the challenges of modern parenting, and the aftermath of a tragic event. Eva's ambivalence towards motherhood and her complex relationship with Kevin are central to the narrative, which also explores the societal and personal factors that may have contributed to Kevin's actions. The book is a poignant and thought-provoking examination of family dynamics, guilt, and the unconditional love of a parent for their child.
Is identity politics, with its emphasis on gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation, sowing division? Or is it a call for social justice for everyone? On 22nd May 2019 we were joined by a panel of experts to debate the motion "Identity Politics Is Tearing Society Apart". Arguing in favour of the motion were Trevor Phillips, Founding chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and Lionel Shriver, novelist and journalist. Against the motion were Dawn Foster, Guardian columnist and staff writer for Jacobin magazine, and David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham and a campaigner for social justice. The debate was chaired by Kamal Ahmed, Editorial director of BBC News and former BBC economics editor.
Intelligence Squared 
