The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Book excerpt: A better theory of identity politics

Jan 23, 2020
Delve into the fascinating dynamics of identity and its pivotal role in political polarization. The discussion highlights how personal identities shape our political views and often take precedence over policies. Emotional ties in sports fandom serve as a powerful metaphor for partisan loyalty, revealing the complexities of group dynamics. The exploration of identity politics in immigration showcases evolving party values. Engaging anecdotes and psychological insights drive home the importance of understanding our own identities in shaping societal interactions.
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INSIGHT

In-Group Bias

  • We classify groups as "us" vs. "them", leading to discrimination.
  • This isn't based on cultural or individual experiences but on deeper human instincts.
ANECDOTE

Tajfel's Experience

  • Henri Tajfel, a Polish Jew, hid his identity to survive WWII.
  • This experience shaped his research on group identity and discrimination.
INSIGHT

Gratuitous Discrimination

  • The instinct to favor our in-group and be hostile to out-groups is deeply ingrained, operating independently of reason or self-interest.
  • We discriminate even without a reason, simply based on group categorization.
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