Embracing Identity Politics: A Path to Strengthening Democracy

Abstract

Identity politics usually describes a political approach in which people of a particular type form political agendas that are typically on interlocking systems of oppressions that they feel affect their lives, such as religion, race, or any other identifying factor. However, interpretations are made depending on where one is standing. For instance, when a particular group feels threatened, the resultant factor is tribalism. When a specific group feels mistreated or disrespected, the end product usually focuses on a more vs. them, kind of reaction. These are the kind of interpretation that those not in the insides of these groups view but to some like Stacey Abrahams, things are not as others see them. Abrahams believes that identity politics strengthens democracy since the social change was called upon due to the electorate having limited laws that deprived women, African Americans and other groups their rights to vote and therefore the need for an expanded, identity-conscious politics (Abrams, 2019). Abrahams believes that identity politics is much different and argues that marginalized groups, as seen by the outsiders, are not the cause of division in society. Abrahams refuted the ideology that identity politics are segmented into narrower identities, which tend to threaten the possibility of societal deliberation and collective action. These ideologies that people should not look at class since such would not address the racial issues (Abrams, 2019). To this reference, identity politics is not something that members of the marginalized communities can ignore. By addressing the issues that affect them, change can be felt and further argues that the marginalized were not the creators of identity politics. Still, on the contrary, their identities have been forced on them by the dominant groups. Therefore, due to circumstances, they opted for revolt through politics since it served as the...