It can be argued that the concept that causes the most tension among humans is identity. Albeit a word that is not easily defined, simply hearing “identity” in today’s political climate creates visions of protests, backlash, and criticism. For a word that many people have difficulty coming to terms with, why is it so controversial? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines identity as “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual” (“Identity”), which seems simple enough. However, when combining this simple idea with politics, the word takes on a whole new meaning. When considering my experience with identity politics, I am in support of others valuing who they think they are and letting it affect their political affiliations. Identity politics help shape America’s current political structure and is beneficial to the continuation of ideas of freedom, the unification of individuals, and the creation of a world that is passionate about the political system. 

America was founded on the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In my experience, identity is something that brings people joy. Having a place or people to identify with connects large groups of people and allows them to spread the light that is being themselves. According to Northeastern University professor Suzanna Walters, identity politics allows others to “assert a fundamental challenge to both white male hegemony and the relentless process of marking and unmarking that has allowed identity to be only located in those who have been actively denied citizenship and subjectivity” (Walters). Part of the reason America is considered free is the fact that we have certain natural rights that no one can take away. If identity politics were considered to be a bad thing, this means that the freedoms of happiness that we are given does not matter in the world of politics, which means that America does not value the freedom we once thought it did. Although an argument could be that basing your political choice on what you characterize yourself as instead of actual political reasons, the fact that people are allowed to choose how they are represented in our government is exactly what makes America free. Our government is by the people, for the people, and if the people decide to make political decisions on their personality and identity, it is a right they have. Senator Bernie Sanders once predicted that “One of the struggles that you’re going to be seeing… is whether we go beyond identity politics. It is not good enough for someone to say, ‘I’m a woman! Vote for me!” (Navarette), but even with a potential candidate referencing their diversity, it does not solely mean that the direct votes will come in from people who merely identify with what the candidate defines themselves as. As a country, we have an electoral college, and the fact that we have a representative, and not direct democracy allows for representation but also a system where educated politicians should be the ones governing us. Even back when our country was founded, the leaders of the country were worried that the common people would not make valued decisions. Today, people are more likely to know what is happening in the world with the technology at our fingertips. Our personality and values should tie into what our political decisions are. 

On top of a creation of happiness in our natural rights, identity politics allow for a unification of individuals. Some might argue that identity politics separate others, and that the entire point is to distinguish groups from one another. According to a DailyWire article, conservative analysts like Ben Shapiro say identity politics means “that we aren’t individuals who are to be judged on the basis of how we act, but are merely members of groups to be judged on the basis of our group identity. In other words, you and I as individuals with our unique experiences, thoughts and ambitions count for nothing” (Saavedra). When one considers identity, it is easy to assume that people want to keep their identity unique; no one else should share their identity. And while humans are like snowflakes and not all of us are the same, we crave a need to belong and to be accepted. Some people conform to society just so they can feel more comfortable with who they think they are supposed to be. When identity politics come into the mix, there are so many options of groups to become a part of and be unified in a common goal. Fighting for rights for your identity or pushing for laws to benefit your identity group unifies these individuals. Having a purpose, especially a shared goal with others, is incredibly beneficial for the well-being of others. In his book “Modernity and Its Discontents,” Yale University political scientist Steven B. Smith writes, “Identities are not just things we have, they define who we are. We can compromise and balance interests. We cannot so easily adjudicate our identities” (Smith). As a twin, my experience with identity has been a journey. I have always wanted to establish myself as a unique individual apart from my twin. Even when someone orders the same thing off the menu as me, I get defensive. It feels like someone is trying to take away my identity from me and make it their own. It can be a struggle to feel like your personality or characterization is similar to other people. However, when groups get together that have the same experience, be it race, gender, or economic background, it can be a relief to find others who have been through the same things. Unity in diversity is one of the strongest supports for identity politics, and I believe that it makes humanity better as a whole.

Especially when turning on the television, it can be easy to not want to be involved in politics. The world seems so dark and grim with little hope for our future. Several people may be pushed away from wanting to become involved with the state of the world, because the people in charge seem to not care about individuals. However, identity politics provides an outlet for people to become passionate about change. Part of the support is for “the newfound activism that opposes Trump’s angry rhetoric about minorities, and believes the antidote to him is to reflect the diversity of the country” (Viser & Sullivan).  Those who are against identity politics may believe that groups that are not involved or informed with politics are detrimental to politics being useful in the government, and that identity groups merely protest against everything. However, these groups show a passion and dedication for the general public that most politicians could never boast to have. Students who have had their childhood taken away from them because of the decisions of lawmakers in our country have come together to put an end to the lack of care for the citizens and their lives. Identity groups that push for legislation and minority rights are not disturbing the peace, rather, they are bringing the necessary change for the world. Some people, like Owen Mason from the Washington Examiner, might think that “each minority member must be a voice that agrees with certain views and values or they aren’t welcome” (Mason). However, identity groups want to unite around the characteristics they do share in order to bring about positive change for a more representative American collective. Politics today seems to be about shady deals, campaign finances and corruption; money seems to fuel the decisions of our lawmakers. Seeing identity groups having a passion for politics and want to make a difference is inspiring. They may not know as much about laws or the way the process works, but it is refreshing to think of a new generation involved in politics that cares not about the money but about the personalities and passions of others. 

Every person on this Earth has an identity, whether they like to admit it or not. Some people choose to conform and hide their identity from others, wishing to merely fit in. Others embrace their uniqueness and want to make sure others know that they stand out from the crowd. When groups form together sharing a common goal and background, it shows that we are different but the same. Our world today is so driven by hate for things that are different or new, but these groups show that everyone has a right to become involved and have their voice be heard. The structure of American government is made better by identity politics because it pushes the freedom we value, allows for unity in diversity, and a passionate new generation to make change for the world. I am proud to live in a world where identity is starting to take place in the political climate, and believe that change is necessary to create a better world.

Works Cited:

Fry, Madeline. “All the Lonely People, Why Do They Embrace Identity Politics?” Washington Examiner, 5 Sept. 2019, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/all-the-lonely-people-why-do-they-embrace-identity-politics.

“Identity.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity.

Lederman, Josh. “Buttigieg Calls out Democrats for Playing ‘Identity Politics’.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 12 May 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/buttigieg-calls-out-democrats-playing-identity-politics-n1004706.

Mason, Owen. “Democrats: Your Identity Politics Obsession Will Reelect Trump.” Washington Examiner, 2 Aug. 2019, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/red-alert-politics/democrats-your-identity-politics-obsession-will-reelect-trump.

McCall, Leslie, and Orloff, Ann Shola. “The Multidimensional Politics of Inequality: Taking Stock of Identity Politics in the U.S. Presidential Election of 2016.” The British Journal of Sociology, vol. 68, 8 Nov. 2017, pp. S34–S56. Wiley Online Library, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.12316.

Navarrette, Ruben, Jr. “Who invented identity politics?” USA Today, 6 Feb. 2019, p. 05A. Gale In Context: College, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A572791416/CSIC?u=north1010&sid=CSIC&xid=4eb12f61. Accessed 24 Sept. 2019.

Saavedra, Ryan. “Stacey Abrams: ‘Identity Politics Is Exactly Who We Are And It’s Exactly How We Won’.” Daily Wire, The Daily Wire, 23 May 2019, https://www.dailywire.com/news/47611/stacey-abrams-identity-politics-exactly-who-we-are-ryan-saavedra.

Sellers, Joshua S. “ELECTION LAW AND WHITE IDENTITY POLITICS.” Fordham Law Review, vol. 87, no. 4, 1 Mar. 2019, p. 1515. Nexis Uni.

Smith, Steven B. “Modernity and Its Discontents.” Yale University Press, 2016.

Viser, Matt, and Sullivan, Sean. “Identity Politics’ Influence.” Washington Post, The, 2019 Oct. 2AD. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nfh&AN=wapo.e0c20ef0-2bfb-11e9-b2fc-721718903bfc&site=ehost-live.

Walters, Suzanna Danuta. “In Defense of Identity Politics.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, vol. 43, no. 2, 2018, pp. 473–488.