The Paradox of Identity Politics

 

Episode 01 (Notes)

This episode explores the paradox of identity politics, particularly as it relates to race and racism in North America. Both identity politics and racism promote the essentializing of race and the controversial argument that people should be treated and understood based on their skin colour and what it represents.

This overlapping rhetoric can muddy the waters of social justice since at times it feels like we’re trying to fight racism with more racism. This piece explores the complexities of identity politics while honouring its benefits and drawbacks. Although this episode is critical of identity politics it should not be misunderstood as a denial of the existence of racism nor the necessity of identity politics in the advancement of social justice.

 
Felicia Falconer