Two kinds of identity politics

How did identity politics emerge, and has it gone too far?

Identity politics is defined as a tendency for people of a particular religion, race, social background, etc., to form exclusive political alliances, moving away from traditional broad-based party politics.

However, there are two sides to identity politics. When groups of people with a common identity organize, there is a peaceful way to do it but there is also a dangerous way. The first is to draw a circle around the group and emphasize the commonalities and that some are denied equal opportunity and access. This method has worked in the past by some civil leaders such as Martin Luther King. The other way is to identify a common enemy. It is easy to unite one another against a group of people. It is easy to make another group ‘the bad guys’. When society should be working together to solve problems, this method, unfortunately, can result in more issues.

I believe that being involved in organizations and groups with dangerous intentions will cause problems for society. Politics should not be a bad thing, it's the morals and intentions of leaders and groups that make a difference. We should be able to express our opinions without fear. Let’s be open-minded and just. Whether you are on the left or right, one should know what's right and wrong.

References

Haidt, J. (2020, December 28). There are two kinds of identity politics. One is good. The other, very bad. Big Think. https://bigthink.com/videos/identity-politics-america-college.