02-26-2019, 08:52 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-26-2019, 08:54 AM by PhilippAchtel.)
(02-26-2019, 08:11 AM)Rainrider22 Wrote:(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.
I was reading and giving your thoughts careful consideration until you went and did just what you were speaking against You categorized , or labeled people based on being in a particular group. I align myself with more conservative politics however, I am extremely aware of my personal bias, and I continue to work on emotional intelligence each and everyday. I treat people fairly and I dont care what their back ground or gender identity is. I am just respectful to everyone. Much easier way to live life.... I dont take offense to your comment, even though I feel it is in accurate. (I just wanted to be clear on that,so please continue to comment)
"A particular group"? I'm sure you're aware that affiliation with the Conservative Party or support for conservative policies is not comparable to membership in LGBTQ or a racialized group? You choose to associate with those people and promote those policies; you were not born into that group and can dissociate at any time. There's also an element of power dynamics that is completely absent from your situation.
If people judge you based on your chosen political affiliation, it's not even in the same league as the experience of racial discrimination.
That said, if you spend time to think about your biases and work to correct them, that's a great thing. But when you choose to group yourself with people who quack like a duck, what do you expect people to do?