Recently, I’ve been weighing, considering, and studying identity politics and the ways in which they serve and divide us (Americans) with increasing frequency. In this space between Martin Luther King, Jr Day and the beginning of Black History Month, the issue is especially on my mind.
This is personally relevant to me because I don’t identify myself as a ‘bi-racial’ woman; I’ve never led with race or ethnicity as an identifying or qualifying characteristic for myself. I’ve led with my accomplishments or career path, interests, or hobbies, depending on the subject at hand. Generally, I prefer to discuss the source of my cappuccino-colored skin in relevant conversation, rather than citing it as some sort of source of authority. My skin-tone and features are ambiguous enough that I’ve been mistaken for nearly every race or ethnicity on the globe; I look different and yet similar to many women, as I often hear. I have defined myself as a woman, daughter, sister, aunt, hobbyist, writer, and dozens of other things. Never as a ‘bi-racial American.’ It makes me wonder, where is this push for tribalism, especially ethnic, coming from?
I’ll be exploring the origins and voices of identity politics during the month of February. I’ll look at the general time-line of how and when public policy came to be evaluated along the lines of certain ethnic, sexual, gendered, etc. groups. I’ll look at the arguments for and against the use of identity politics. Are there psychological benefits or potential harms associated here? I’ll dive in and hope to answer these questions in a fair, accurate and successful manner.
As a note, feminism no doubt has a place in this discussion, and will be discussed here briefly. I plan to look at feminism and it’s many far-reaching components directly in other more dedicated pieces.
This piece in The Guardian from Amy Chua’s book, Political Tigers, gives an excellent overview of the current landscape of identity politics. I plan to explore many of her references, as well.
Here’s to exploring, pondering, and thinking well!
