02-26-2019, 03:56 PM
(02-26-2019, 07:15 AM)jgsz Wrote: 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.
Bolded for my thoughts:
1. Not true. In fact, you'll often hear from the "left-wing" about inclusiveness (nothing wrong with that) when choosing members, and often focusing on minorities/the LGBTTQQIAAP community, new Canadians, females, etc. That's discrimination. That's why you have many "left-wingers" bashing people that believe in God, for example, or bashing those that don't want to participate in LGBTTQQIAAP festivities. Yet it's many the left that wants to force EVERYONE to get involved in PRIDE, and if you don't, you're a horrible, evil person. Sure, you have religious fanatics who'll protest and tell these people that God will make them burn in hell for eternity, but that's a very small minority. Trudeau, for example, has done identity politics with his cabinet. Did he choose the best? Or did he choose what fit his agenda?
2. I can't imagine anyone being in an uproar of Moraga didn't mention his sexual orientation (and he wins). 99% of people simply don't care anymore, including so-called conservatives. If Moraga wins the election, and had failed to mentioned his sexual identity, the ONLY people (a very vocal minority) that might be upset are those on the left that don't like that lifestyle. After all, it was the Conservatives (or any right-wing group) that fielded a candidate that couldn't win, those conservatives have no reason to be upset, other than losing. Of course, there have been several gay Conservatives in politics....so, you have that.
3. I have. Many times. It goes both ways. Quite often it's simply something negative about the 'straight, white, Canadian (English), male'.