For some people, “identity politics” (read: civil rights) aren’t just some theoretical buzzword to throw around. The term is literally a way to fully write off any political concerns based on issues that don’t affect the lives of straight white men, and we’re glad Samantha Bee decided to take it to task on Full Frontal.
Since the election ended, there’s been a notion floating around that, somehow, Democrats (read: Hillary Clinton) lost the presidency by focusing too much on issues of race, gender, and equality. That’s not only nonsense because those issues are important, but because Clinton’s campaign had a comprehensive vision for America’s future, including those issues but by no means focusing solely on them.
It’s just another buzzword like “political correctness” (read: basic decency) that people with privilege like to get all angry about. If you relabel the fight against sexism, racism, transphobia, and homophobia “identity politics” instead of the negatively-charged terms that already exist, it’s easier to get away with them. Don’t be fooled by it.
(image via screengrab)
Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!
—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—
Follow The Mary Sue on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, & Google+.
