First, let’s define identity politics. I actually like Wikipedia’s article on it, so I’m linking that. Here’s their definition:
Identity politics is political action to advance the interests of members of a group whose members are oppressed by virtue of a shared and marginalized identity (such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and neurological wiring).
Based on that, I think it’s pretty safe to say that 2008 was the year of identity politics. People latched on to their politicians in a way we have not seen in ages – and I don’t just mean on the left (although I’d argue that they crossed the line from identity politics to hero worship on a lot of levels). Palin stirred up a base like we haven’t seen on the right in a long time. Her supporters were numerous and devout.
While using identity politics to get votes is certainly effective, it’s also dangerous. When groups identify with a particular candidate based on gender, race, sexual preference, etc there is a tendency to project personal bias onto the candidate. The “I am a Sarah Palin” and “Yes we can!” chants weren’t an accident. They were designed to bring people on board.
Here’s the problem – people are attaching themselves to a race, a gender – a person – and not necessarily to what the person stands for. In fact, if the polls following Nov. 4th were any indication, most didn’t even bother to figure that part out. It’s called “branding”, and when people buy the brand and not the product you’re in trouble.
My hope is that conservatives don’t fall into this trap. I’ve been asked a few times this week about Smart Girl Politic’s role – and in discussing that, I’ve stated that my hope is that we go beyond the gender identity politics. We will not support women simply because they are women – they must actively support the things that we value. It is not about gender – it is about a small government that holds it’s people accountable and defends the Constitution. Period.
This is so much bigger than race, gender, and generic “change” rhetoric. Vote based on leadership. Vote based on record. Vote based on life and liberty. When we stop voting based on what we want a candidate to be and look at them for what they actually are, we may eventually see some of that change we’re so hell-bent on begging for.
Identity politics is going away, as your generation will not have a fundamental understanding of why they are necessary.
http://occamsrazr.com/2008/04/22/the-end-of-identity-politics/
I know it’s weird, but a woman has to work harder to get my vote, other things being equal> I know, I know, sexist me. But seriously, I worked my butt off for a State Senator race for a woman, but she had to sell me on her first.
Maybe it’s something to do with the way women politicians use the word “feelings” more often than men (except Bill Clinton.) Maybe it’s an anti-Hillary bias. Whatever it is, I got it.
If you ever base your support on the person for any reason; race, gender, height, number of gray hairs, then you are in danger of loosening your grip on your principles.
Good Morning,
Identity politics, as defined, is primarily an emotive force and a great persuasive one, at that. As we know, emotion and reason battle within ones self for a voice.
Small governments keep order, and the people hold it accountable.
Can we rise above a title or name which may create unintended boundaries to our inspiration and influence?
Conservatives have already fallen into the trap. Just look at how many people listen and follow Hannity, O’Reilly, and all the other chucker radio celebs.
I would have to disagree with Ike saying that Identity politics is going away. However, I haven’t read the link he posted yet.
I think it will only get worse because, in my opinion, the people are not getting any brighter and that has been proven over the last several years. Yes, some of us are, but most of what we say and do is just preaching to the choir.
Matt
This is in response to Art Rogue’s comment. I disagree that conservatives have fallen into the trap of identity politics simply because many of us listen to conservative radio or watch conservative TV programs.
I think that most conservatives already know what they believe as a result of life experience, studying history, economics, faith traditions in some cases and reading a lot overall. Thus we don’t look to radio or TV pundits to tell us what to believe. We look to them to discuss the issues of the day and provide interesting commentary with which we may agree or disagree. This is in contrast to many liberals and I daresay Democratic voters who, having done little previous study and thinking on their own, DO look to media figures to tell them what to believe. They probably don’t even realize it. They probably think they came up with their beliefs all on their own. They don’t think they got them from CNN, Time or their local newspaper. But that’s only because they haven’t really thought it through.
I DO fully agree that conservatives, like all people, can easily fall into the trap of “hero worship” of a certain pundit or politican and begin to rely ONLY on that person for their news and opinions. This is never a good idea. If someone wants to be an informed and intelligent American and voter, they need to sample news and opinions from a wide array of sources and ideally from both sides of the political spectrum.