In this engaging discussion, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, a professor of philosophy at Georgetown University and author of Elite Capture, dives deep into the co-option of identity politics by the wealthy and powerful. He examines how this phenomenon drains grassroots movements of genuine progress, while 'woke capitalism' often serves as a superficial fix. The conversation critiques the tension between corporate interests and progressive goals, emphasizing the need for a new approach that truly redistributes power and resources to marginalized communities.
58:29
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Elite Capture of Identity Politics
Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò critiques identity politics for being co-opted by elites.
He argues that elite capture distorts political movements, hindering their ability to redistribute power.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Origins of Identity Politics
The Combahee River Collective, a Black feminist socialist group, coined "identity politics."
Their original intent was to encourage individuals to analyze political issues from their unique perspectives within the social system.
insights INSIGHT
Rooms and Relative Eliteness
Táíwò uses the "rooms" metaphor to explain how social structures shape interactions and political priorities.
Elites within specific spaces may not represent broader marginalized groups, leading to skewed political analysis.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
Elite Capture
Olufemi Taiwo
Why I am not a feminist
Jessa Crispin
In 'Why I Am Not a Feminist: A Feminist Manifesto', Jessa Crispin critiques contemporary feminism for its lack of depth and radicalism. She argues that feminism has become a diluted identity, often focusing on individual choices rather than systemic change. Crispin calls for a return to more radical feminist ideals, emphasizing the need for broader social transformation beyond gender alone.
Sean Illing talks with Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, whose new book Elite Capture is about how the wealthy and powerful co-opt political movements, and use the language of progressive activism to further their ends. They discuss the history and meaning of "identity politics," the notion of "woke capitalism," and how to arrive at a more constructive politics — one that actually engages directly in redistributing social resources and power, rather than achieving merely symbolic gains.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, Vox
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
