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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsStacey Abrams's new essay on identity politics reveals why she's a rising star
The core of Abramss argument is that identity politics is not something that members of marginalized groups can ignore. If they want equality, they must address the issues and social structures that oppress them.
The marginalized did not create identity politics: Their identities have been forced on them by dominant groups, and politics is the most effective method of revolt, Abrams writes. What Fukuyama laments as fracturing is in reality the result of marginalized groups finally overcoming centuries-long efforts to erase them from the American polity activism that will strengthen democratic rule, not threaten it.
The point here is not that its bad to be labelled as black or female; Abrams personally embraces both labels. Rather, its that the social significance assigned to being a member of an oppressed group the mental baggage, stereotypes, and mistreatment you experience from others as a result of your identity is not something individuals can choose to take on or reject. Your race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion cause you to be treated in a certain way, forcing you to be aware of your marginalized social role and identify with it whether youd like to or not.
As a result, Abrams argues, minority groups face two choices: either ignore their own oppression or engage in some form of so-called identity politics. Asking minorities to eschew identity politics is tantamount to asking them to ignore their own oppression. How can you include black Americans in modern politics if you dont talk about police violence and voter suppression? How can you include women without talking about the gender pay gap, or LGBTQ Americans without addressing the lack of federal anti-discrimination laws?
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/2/1/18206769/stacey-abrams-state-of-the-union-response-essay-identity-politics
Empowerer
(3,900 posts)It needs to be read. Thank you for posting it!
AJT
(5,240 posts)+1000
oberliner
(58,724 posts)2naSalit
(86,659 posts)PatrickforO
(14,581 posts)Hispanics without talking about dirty wars, CIA coups and contras?
If we are going to be leaders in healing this earth, then we must heal ourselves first.
pazzyanne
(6,556 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)to minority issues. POC are a third of all Georgians.
But that's not the reason she's a rising star in the Democratic Party. Not only are some 76% of Americans white, but the same proportion of Democrats are white. Roughly three quarters. She's a rising star because she speaks and appeals to white Georgians as well.
I mention this because being cast as a leader of minorities instead of a leader for all people is dangerous for candidates who must appeal to all of our "identity" groups. It can shoot down rising stars. And don't the Republicans know it!
Besides Stacey, btw, we need to recognize that Republicans are investing very heavily in portraying the entire Democratic Party as being taken over by minorities, causing white voters to flee. Also that we only care about poor people and are failing middle class Americans, who are needing to look elsewhere. These lies are the exact opposite of the truth, of course. The widely diverse Democratic Party is wonderfully representative of our widely diverse nation. This is our glory. But this lie could cost us badly in elections if believed.
Btw, the term "identity politics" itself has been taken over by the right as a tool for denigrating the proud reality of our diversity (and avoiding spotlighting Republicans' lack of it). Of course the many, many groups who come together in our big tent work for policies that address issues special to them. That's democracy in action. and that is the way it's supposed to be.
JustAnotherGen
(31,828 posts)"Dominant Groups"
I've been using the words "dominant culture" IRL, face to face, online and online at DU for a few years.
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)Sid
blogslut
(38,004 posts)brer cat
(24,579 posts)and definitely a rising star. I'm glad she is getting national attention.