Identity politics is the idea that we take our backgrounds and all of the aspects of our intersectional identities to form our political beliefs rather than simply following a particular political party. Since the term was coined, people have stuck their noses up at the idea.
Critics of identity politics argue that it brings too much emotion into the political debate. They feel that our country should not divide itself into groups based on intersectional identity, but rather band together as all Americans. It is their mindset that identity politics are more divisive; that they set the country back from the progress we have made by drawing lines between who we are.
Many people, however, steep their beliefs in who they are. Sometimes this even happens subconsciously. This is relatively easy to understand given that demographics tend to follow certain trends for a reason. Our intersectional identities help create different experiences, and thus, different world views.
For example, the Combahee River Collective wrote “A Black Feminist Statement” in 1994. There, the authors discussed the topic of identity politics in detail. They state, “focusing upon our own oppression is embodied in the concept of identity politics. We believe that the most profound and potentially most radical politics come directly out of our own identity.”
Essentially, one cannot simply take a part of themselves away and place it in a box in the corner when they go to vote. This becomes painstakingly obvious with marginalized groups. When people are oppressed due to their identity, they vote to protect that identity.
It becomes clear, then, why many of the people who are so opposed to identity politics are typically white men in positions of power. Seeing as they face little oppression based on their intersectional identities, they are able to separate that when they step into the voting booths.
Unfortunately, it is not as simple for everyone. As the Combahee River Collective explains, “We also often find it difficult to separate race and class and sex oppression because in our lives they are most often experienced simultaneously."
When groups of people are treated differently simply due to their being who they are, how can they then be asked to put that identity aside to vote? Voting is one way everyday citizens can make their voices heard, and experiences in our lives make our voices what they are. The personal is political. Social and political structures affect us based on our identities, so we vote based on those identities.
It is not emotions that rule identity politics, but the very make up of our individual person. Critics ask us to think of policy over identity, but the fact is that policy affects identities. Marginalized communities have been targeted by public policies since the creation of government. We cannot ask those groups to put aside that history, but rather understand the need to use it to try and prevent it from happening again.
I challenge people who firmly oppose the idea of identity politics to open their minds. Remember that everyone has had a different life and different experiences. Be proud of what makes you who you are. When someone disagrees with you on the basis of an identity you cannot relate to, listen. An agreement may not come, but a better understanding of the world just might.
Meah McCallister is a sophomore studying creative writing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to reach the College Democrats? Send them a tweet @OUCollegeDems.
