General Discussion

LAS14

(15,427 posts) Thu Nov 13, 2025, 11:01 AM Nov 13

Do you consider "identity politics" a right wing idea? Real question, not rhetorical. [View all]

For quite a while I've heard/read "identity politics" mentioned by various talking heads on PBS, MSNBC and CNN, in in the NYT and DU. I've always taken it to be a phrase that could be applied all across the political spectrum, not necessarily (although sometimes) in a pejorative way.

Recently I was surprised to find that some people think of it as a purely right wing idea, applied pejoratively to the left.

What's your take on the phrase?

42 replies

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Highlight:

Do you consider "identity politics" a right wing idea? Real question, not rhetorical. [View all] LAS14 Nov 13 OP

Could you define the term more specifically? CTyankee Nov 13 #1

Well, I posted because it seems that there is not a clear, public, definition. LAS14 Nov 13 #4

I would call wearing political messaging on your person and association pwb Nov 13 #2

Back in the day, I wore buttons from Another Mother for Peace during the Vietnam era. I was frightened that that war CTyankee Nov 13 #7

White Christian Male the most powerful identity politics leftstreet Nov 13 #3

But when women and minorities mobilize for their rights and seek representation, it's "identity politics" LAS14 Nov 13 #5

They turned it into a smear leftstreet Nov 13 #6

The OP posted this thread yesterday obamanut2012 Nov 13 #9

Oh leftstreet Nov 13 #10

What about that post causes you to say, "Good grief??" nt LAS14 Nov 13 #33

That I miss so many things here n/t leftstreet Nov 13 #35

What's your point? nt LAS14 Nov 13 #34

Thanks, very clear. nt LAS14 Nov 13 #21

Do you believe it has a positive or negative connotation? Torchlight Nov 13 #20

For me it has a neutral connotation. I was surprised to find out... LAS14 Nov 13 #22

If you consider it 'neutral, why then your stated desire to 'come up with something else'? Torchlight Nov 13 #27

The phrase is neutral. The practice is necessary, but has its down sides. nt LAS14 Nov 13 #28

Your position on this seems to change dependent on the responses you receive Torchlight Nov 13 #29

Examples? I don't have a 'position.' I'm asking a question for which I have no answer. nt LAS14 Nov 13 #36

You have posted several posts on this issue in as many days obamanut2012 Nov 13 #8

I tried as hard as I could not to say I am "against identity politics." LAS14 Nov 13 #23

Im not really sure what identity politics are Samael13 Nov 13 #11

We live in a white supremacy and as long as that white supremacy exists, trying to pretend it doesn't is a fool's game. WhiskeyGrinder Nov 13 #12

Fools and those who pretend we don't live in a white supremacy with all the damage that has caused and Solly Mack Nov 13 #15

EXACTLY WhiskeyGrinder Nov 13 #16

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. Thomas Paine Ping Tung Nov 13 #13

I've no idea what it even means. NewHendoLib Nov 13 #14

"Identity politics" was basically the old "woke." BlueTsunami2018 Nov 13 #17

Thanks for addressing the question in the spirit in which it was asked. nt LAS14 Nov 13 #24

It's a label used as a slur. Like "Social Justice Warrior". haele Nov 13 #18

No, although it can certainly be effective chum in the water if intended as such Torchlight Nov 13 #19

Interesting reply. Thanks. nt LAS14 Nov 13 #25

Orwellian propaganda tactic unblock Nov 13 #26

Any phrase can eventually be turned ITAL Nov 13 #30

I do. The only time I ever hear about "identity politics" "pronouns" "woke" "open borders" is from right wingers/media AStern Nov 13 #31

Yes, it is a strawman device used by the right Johonny Nov 13 #40

It's the Cass Elliot choked on a ham sandwich of politics. Same with the 'open borders' bullshit AStern Nov 13 #41

To republicans choie Nov 13 #32

You belittle the harm it is doing to marginalized people Keepthesoulalive Nov 13 #37

How am I belittling anything by asking a question? nt LAS14 Nov 13 #38

I'm just asking questions Keepthesoulalive Nov 13 #39

Well, this question was just a question. nt LAS14 Nov 13 #42