Identity Politics: Learnings from America
Here’s how the term “identity politics” is defined: “A tendency for people of a particular religion, race, social background, etc., to form exclusive political alliances, moving away from traditional broad-based party politics.” Until recently, it was almost always restricted to the oppressed (real or imagined) and minorities in the respective democracies (blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, lower castes etc). What’s changed now is that the majority have adopted the same technique. Whites in America, Hindus in India, you get the idea. Mark Lilla, a Columbia University professor, gave a very interesting interview on the topic . His statements are in the context of America but replace certain words and you can see the parallels to India: “As soon as you cast an issue exclusively in terms of identity you invite your adversary to do the same. Those who play one race card should be prepared to be trumped by another.” Even if such stances were necessary at some point, they soon become ...