

Trevor Phillips: "We Live in the Age of Gangster Politics"
Feb 28, 2021
Trevor Phillips, a British writer and broadcaster with a focus on race relations, shares his insights on gangster politics and the evolving nature of public discourse. He critiques identity politics, emphasizing the need for informed and respectful conversations. The discussion delves into political conformity, the complexities of tribalism, and the socio-economic decline affecting working-class communities. Phillips advocates for a deeper understanding of identity and highlights the importance of ongoing cultural dialogues.
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Shift in Public Discourse
- Trevor Phillips discusses his shift from anti-racist activism to criticizing identity politics.
- He believes public discourse has shifted from focusing on truth to prioritizing beliefs and group affiliation.
Gangster Politics
- Political discourse has become increasingly focused on personal attacks rather than substantive debate.
- This "gangster politics" discourages dissent and reasoned discussion within parties.
Evolution of Message Discipline
- The concept of "message discipline" has evolved from encouraging party unity to enforcing strict conformity.
- This shift stifles internal debate and discourages critical thinking within political parties.