Have you ever wondered why Americans are so divided on issues? The answer is quite simple it is called identity politics. Oxford Languages defines identity politics as “a tendency for people of a particular religion, ethnic group, social background, etc., to form exclusive political alliances, moving away from traditional broad-based party politics.” Another definition from Britannica is “political or social activity by or on behalf of a racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, or other group, usually undertaken with the goal of rectifying injustices suffered by group members because of differences or conflicts between their particular identity (or misconceptions of their particular identity) and the dominant identity (or identities) of a larger society.” The next portion of that defined analogy is where the division begins. “Identity politics also aims, in the course of such activity, to eliminate negative misrepresentations (stereotypes) of particular groups that have served to justify their members’ exclusion, exploitation, marginalization, oppression, or assimilation to the point of erasure.”
So many groups in America feel like they are being attacked, discriminated against or even some use the term disrespected. When these feelings crop up and out, it is human nature that the identity group unifies and starts a defensive for their beliefs and purpose. These measures are usually divisive measures of division and exclusiveness. Then the battle begins with the newly formed group moving away from traditional broad-based issues and beliefs and neither party is willing to compromise or even work together for a resolution.
Some consider identity politics and multiculturalism as synonymous. Britannica’s definition of multiculturalism states “cultural minority groups deserve respectful acknowledgment of their distinctive belief systems, values, and ways of life.” Identity politics is not always based upon culture or race but most often the latter of belief systems, values, and ways of life. It is so important to understand and recognize how the division is caused and why. The importance lies within the many issues concerning the differences in values and way of life because our governing officials often pass laws exercising control over these issues.
I am not the only one who has recognized this division and the unwillingness to work together. In a recent Pew Research Center survey that identified the top issues facing our nation, the ability of Republicans and Democrats to work together was ranked as high as the top issues of inflation, health care affordability, drug addiction, and gun violence. The irony of it all is there is no partisan divide on the issue with 62% of Democrats and 63% of Republicans recognizing the ability of the parties to work together as a top problem facing our nation.
Maybe it’s time to revert to horse and wagon times and their way of life. John Dutton on Yellowstone said “Your grandfather used to say you can’t fix a broken wagon wheel, but you can use the parts to make a new one. No one has a right. You have to take a right or stop it from being taken from you.” He also told his grandson, “let me tell you what fair means. Fair means one side got exactly what they wanted in a way that the other side can’t complain about. There’s no such thing as fair.”
These are great words of wisdom on both issues. Hopefully, our elected officials will get the message to work together on behalf of the American people and enrich their quality of life. Hopefully, you will remember which officials lived up to their duties and vote the others out in the next election. I will leave you with those thoughts and that concludes the latest issue of The Straight Truth With Mary Ann Hutton.