On the lens of Identity politics
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” — Martin Luther King Jr.,1963
Through the years, we have seen identity politics emerged and exposed deeply rooted problems in society today. As we see the ugly truths unfold, is identity politics has gone too far?
In a youtube video of Jonathan Haidt, he explains the good and the bad side of identity politics. Political movements such as black lives matter, calling out for gender equality, fighting for human rights, etc. are examples of the ‘good’ side. It gives people the freedom of expression without using violence. On the other hand, the bad side is ‘common enemy identity politics’ that is based on the Bedouin notion: “Me against my brother, me and my brother against our cousin, me and my brother against the stranger”. There are some circumstances wherein these political movements have worsen the situation rather than actually solving the problem.
Jonathan Haidt’s justification about identity politics only implies that there’s nothing wrong sharing our voices through these mass movements as long as we know in ourselves, it is for the benefit of each other not only for one particular group. We are uniting because we know there is something wrong in the system. We fight to eradicate the unjust system, not the people who are also victims of the system.
We are in a multiethnic society. Different beliefs and opinions will clash because we deserved to be treated as an equal. Identity politics will always be a major factor in these debates/discussions. These good and bad side of it can be beneficial to us.
We are all victims of this dysfunctional system. Every one of us has our own battles. We just need to continue to fight and voice out our thoughts until we achieved a community that one identity is just as important of their character.