The Take Identity politics gone wrong (and how to fix it)
Jan 7, 2025
Olufemi Taiwo, a political philosopher at Georgetown University and expert on identity politics, delves deep into the complexities of this significant topic. He reveals how the term has morphed over time, often manipulated by elites, and critiques its application within the Democratic Party, especially during Kamala Harris's campaign. Taiwo contrasts left and right approaches to identity politics, illustrating its role in mobilizing support in the MAGA movement. The discussion also revisits the historical roots of identity politics, advocating for a more inclusive and collaborative future.
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Democratic Party Conflict
- The Democratic party is experiencing internal conflict between different wings of the left and center-left.
- This conflict overshadows discussions about identity-based messaging or policies in the Harris campaign.
Elite Capture's Impact
- Elite capture occurs when a select few within a marginalized group control its resources and political projects.
- This can lead to a focus on symbolic representation over addressing bread-and-butter issues that affect the entire group.
MAGA's Identity Politics
- The MAGA movement represents a successful form of identity politics, focusing on an offensive strategy.
- They define themselves against a perceived "other" without explicitly stating their own identity.