Identity Politics in a World of Individuals

I do not consider myself to be a political person by and large. I have a deep faith and belief in the self-governing power of human beings on a level playing field with little to no need for a centralized power structure that all too easily lends itself to the myriad problems we face today.

Identity politics can mean different things to different people, especially in the modern contexts in which it is relevant today. The way I am looking at it here is to suggest that we need to move away from thinking of ourselves as members of groups and embrace our own rugged individualism.

Politics in general suggests that different people want different things in society. I would argue that we all want the same basic things; it is simply that we often disagree on how to bring about the reality that we want.

Since much of the world is essentially divided into two basic political groups along a spectrum, I want to try to be a moderating voice that helps unite people beyond these divisive ideas.

It can be an overall dissatisfaction with the government that causes people to splinter into identity political factions in order to put increased pressure to effect some kind of change. Conversely, the government itself can emphasize different identity groups and try to cater to them with different policies and promises in order to curry favor and votes.

What we really have to ask ourselves as individuals is, "What is my identity, for myself?" Often people are lumped together in ethnic, racial, religious or social identity groups for different reasons. It is good to ask ourselves who is emphasizing and reinforcing these group identities and what do they hope to gain by doing so.

Additionally, what do we gain or lose by identifying with any given group?

Initially it can seem like a real freedom to feel part of a group, especially if said group is deemed to be systemically victimized and in need of some sort of governmental and societal compensation.

Conversely it can feel very painful and limiting to feel pigeonholed into a group that is blamed in a general way for the suffering of others. Rather than simply focusing on the actions and choices of individuals, identity political movements can paint reality in broad strokes and essentially divide people against one another needlessly.

Everybody wants to be part of a group, or a tribe, if you will. Loneliness is a dangerous thing for us human beings and so we seek like-minded people to share our lives with in ways that are as meaningful as possible.

The key is that we all have freedom to associate with people on bases that are deeper than the types groups typically focused on in identity political contexts. Ideas are far more important than bodily identities at the end of the day and can transcend the skin-deep nature of today's identity politics.

A powerful and inspiring idea can bridge the gap between ethnic groups, religions, and so on. Inclusive and mutually beneficial thoughts and ideas have much more power to unite people in meaningful ways than politics ever can.

The idea I want to suggest is that all human beings are completely sovereign individuals and at the same time have a common basis of unity that transcends all differences.

It is by embracing this duality that we can celebrate our individuality while at the same time realizing that we are all part of an indivisible humanity.

Seeds of Love