02-26-2019, 07:15 AM
Some observations regarding Andrew Moraga’s nomination to be the NDP candidate in Kitchener-Centre:
Yes, we are all the same. Yes, we are all different. I get that...
So far, the comments here have zeroed in on Moraga’s racial background and that he’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
No one has commented on the fact that he is an environmental advocate and a scientist. The article also mentions that he is working on his doctorate in social and ecological sustainability at UW. These are very important qualifications for me.
Although no one specifically mentioned “Identity Politics,” most of the comments so far have been about his identity.
The accusation of identity politics always comes from the political right-wing or those who unconsciously use right-wing talking points. They see identity politics as a bad thing. But what they don’t seem to understand is that everyone has an identity. The identity of those who accuse others of identity politics are almost always white, heterosexual, male/female, preferably Christian. However, they come from a place of privilege. They don’t have to declare that they are a white, heterosexual man or women. After all, they belong to the natural, god-given order of things.
I can imagine the uproar from the right-wing if Moraga didn’t mention his sexual orientation until after he won election. He would be accused of deception and dishonesty. What to do?
I have never heard anyone from the LGBTQ+ or anyone from marginalized communities accuse someone of identity politics. That is the exclusive preserve of conservatives.
Yes, we are all the same. Yes, we are all different. I get that...
So far, the comments here have zeroed in on Moraga’s racial background and that he’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
No one has commented on the fact that he is an environmental advocate and a scientist. The article also mentions that he is working on his doctorate in social and ecological sustainability at UW. These are very important qualifications for me.
Although no one specifically mentioned “Identity Politics,” most of the comments so far have been about his identity.
The accusation of identity politics always comes from the political right-wing or those who unconsciously use right-wing talking points. They see identity politics as a bad thing. But what they don’t seem to understand is that everyone has an identity. The identity of those who accuse others of identity politics are almost always white, heterosexual, male/female, preferably Christian. However, they come from a place of privilege. They don’t have to declare that they are a white, heterosexual man or women. After all, they belong to the natural, god-given order of things.
I can imagine the uproar from the right-wing if Moraga didn’t mention his sexual orientation until after he won election. He would be accused of deception and dishonesty. What to do?
I have never heard anyone from the LGBTQ+ or anyone from marginalized communities accuse someone of identity politics. That is the exclusive preserve of conservatives.