Addressing Identity Politics and How We Discuss "Privilege" Among the Left

[sheshe2]

Identity politics seems to be a growing trend among the left, and is often criticized by right-wing critics as “liberal snowflakes”, but the conversation of privilege and identity politics is an important one to have if we are going to build a unify left.


**Before, I continue, this is not a rant about how all white men are bad, I promise! And more importantly, I asked you read it all the way through before you jump to the comment section. Thanks! **

The definition of identity politics is given 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.”

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about the importance of safe spaces. Even though I explained the importance of having them, many readers jumped to comment section echoing the propaganda from conservative think-tanks that safe spaces are for college students who are “fragile snowflakes.” That aside, the conversation in the comment section quickly became an argument about free speech; many declaring that hate speech such as racial slurs, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism were “alternative views” that college students of these marginalized groups should listen to instead of shielding themselves from it and hindering “free speech.” And for liberals who criticize safe spaces and the right of marginalize groups to form these spaces, you’re basically saying “You get to exists and organize, but on our terms and what we think is important for you.”

snip//

**And that’s what “identity politics” is all about—standing with our most marginalized allies, and making sure their immediate safety is protected and guaranteed. Because yes, while everyone wants to see an economically equitable world, that’s a secondary consideration when your children are being murdered, your places of worship are being vandalized, your families are being torn asunder, and your own bodies are being violated. — Markos Moulitsas (5-8-2017)**

Read More: http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/5/27/1666478/-Addressing-Identity-Politics-and-How-We-Discuss-Privilege-Among-the-Left

This is about our base, and those of us that are marginalized. AS Markos says above..."And that’s what “identity politics” is all about—standing with our most marginalized allies, and making sure their immediate safety is protected and guaranteed."

WE need to solidify our most loyal base, our life long allies.

Good read...a must read.

[Gothmog]

1. K&R

[heaven05]

2. we must unify

all who claim to be progressive, liberal and a member of the Democratic Party. How we do that, with so many divisive forces, factions and individuals in our Party alone, not to mention the undercover trolls from that other political party who throw in divisive BS that keep us at each others throats, I don't know.

We both know that no one should be a part of marginalization of any sort in our Party because it gives that other party a way in creating divisive BS(white entitlement and privilege only) that keeps Party members(races and cultures) at home during elections because their apathy has been stoked by the RW's divisive BS.

I hope we have learned our lesson with this administration and 2018 turns things around. Will read the dailykos article. Haven't yet.

[sheshe2]

3. I certainly hope we learned from the past and unify.

People need to wake up, this really is a matter of life and death. Elections matter and voting matters, our very democracy is at stake.