Identity Politics Exploits Decency and Compassion
This is a simple, yet profound, insight:
“Identity politics wins not by making compelling arguments, but by exploiting the inherent decency of the American people.”*
I think too often people on the Right diagnose the success of identity politics by virtue of negative factors, like venality, cowardice, self-interest, perverse incentives.
I think these negative factors can be identified in individuals, and even in some institutions, on a case-by-case basis. But I don’t think they work as universal or generalised diagnostics.
Modern Morality
The average punter, in my view and my experience, plays along with the agenda (more often dictates) of identity politics out of a genuine desire to do the right thing, treat people well and be a good citizen.
I have also found that if one takes the time to critique identity policies with this average (good-willed) punter, one can pretty easily change their mind.
(I don’t bother with activists. They are a waste of time. The battle will be won or lost in the majority non-ideologically aligned middle).
*Source: Jonah Goldberg, Suicide of the West.
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Originally published on Dr Jonathan Cole’s page.
Subscribe to his podcast, The Political Animals, for more insights.
Photo by Gotta Be Worth It.
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