Identity politics is the practice of organizing political or social movements around shared characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. While the idea of seeking representation for marginalized groups is well-intentioned, the implementation of identity politics has become problematic, leading to divisiveness and an erasure of individuality. The rise of identity politics can be attributed to several factors, including a history of marginalization and discrimination against certain groups, a desire for representation and recognition, and the increasing influence of social media and digital communication. But in the end identity politics is really just a terrible idea.

Firstly, identity politics is divisive. By categorizing people based on their identity markers, it creates a sense of “us versus them” mentality, pitting different groups against each other. Rather than working towards common goals that benefit everyone, identity politics fosters a culture of competition and conflict. This can be seen in the rise of hate crimes, racial tensions, and polarization in society.

Secondly, identity politics ignores the complexities of individual identities. By reducing people to a single characteristic, it erases the nuances of their personal experiences and beliefs. For example, not all women, people of color, or members of the LGBTQ+ community share the same values or political ideologies. Therefore, identity politics fails to represent the diverse perspectives within each group, perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing exclusion.

Thirdly, identity politics promotes victimhood. It encourages individuals to view themselves as oppressed, helpless victims of a society that is rigged against them. While it is essential to acknowledge and address systemic injustices, identity politics exaggerates the extent to which individuals are powerless, leading to a culture of blame and resentment. This, in turn, discourages people from taking personal responsibility for their lives, leading to a sense of learned helplessness.

Fourthly, identity politics undermines meritocracy. In a society that is built on the principles of meritocracy, it is essential to focus on the qualifications, abilities, and achievements of individuals rather than their identity markers. When identity politics is practiced, merit is disregarded, and people are judged solely on their identity, leading to a culture of entitlement and lowered expectations. This undermines the principles of equal opportunity and promotes mediocrity.

Fifthly, identity politics is a form of cultural appropriation. By claiming to speak for a particular group, identity politics erases the individuality and diversity of people within that group. It also perpetuates the idea that certain groups have a monopoly on particular issues or experiences, further marginalizing other individuals who may have similar experiences but do not fit into the specific identity category. This ultimately leads to a homogenization of people’s identities and experiences, which is antithetical to the principles of a free and open society.

Identity politics is a terrible idea because it promotes divisiveness, ignores the complexities of individual identities, promotes victimhood, undermines meritocracy, and is a form of cultural appropriation. While it is essential to acknowledge and address systemic injustices and inequalities, it is equally important to promote a culture of individuality, meritocracy, and unity.