Throughout American politics many unlikely concepts can mean different things to different people. A quick Twitter search of any political subject reveals how many different perspectives there are. A concept that is often thrown around in political circles but can mean many things are “identity politics.”
Laura Maguire, Director of Research of Philosophers’ Corner at Stanford College, defines identity politics in this way, “Identity politics is when people of a particular race, ethnicity, gender, or religion form alliances and organize politically to defend their group’s interests.”
Historically identity politics have been used effectively to stir social change. Examples of this are the use of organized protest by the women’s suffrage movement and the civil rights movement which each culminated led to constitutional amendments being signed in the early 20’s and the 60’s respectively.
Some political circles, however, find the concept of identity politics distasteful. Opponents of identity politics claim that political movements predicated on identity stoke division rather than mend it.
Philip Agnew, an organizer, activist, and artist once explained in a Harvard panel discussion that, “Too often we conflate a perversion of identity politics with what identity politics is and where it came from.” He goes on throughout this discussion to explain that identity politics lays on the premise of how one’s identity allows them to, or restricts them from, moving through life.
All throughout American life we can find examples of how one’s identity can in fact restrict their ability to navigate the world. An example of this can be found in wealth distribution. It was found in a study conducted by the Federal Reserve in 2019 that the median wealth of a white family in the US is $188,200. The median wealth of black Americans was found to be $24,100. Disparities like these across categories of identity often go unacknowledged without people who unite in opposition to a system with disproportionate outcomes.
Later in the same panel Agnew addressed what identity politics in action truly means. He explains that through acknowledging the implications our identities have on our lives we can honestly cooperate in building a better future.
In the political circles mentioned before, some believe that identity politics in action is the same as the “cancel culture” phenomenon. However, this is untrue, real identity politics in action is about coming together around a shared identity to improve each other’s lives. This type of action can be seen right here at Parkland through our identity-based student organizations.
Our student organizations unite under a shared identity and help their community in the process. Identity based student organizations allow those with a common identity or interest in the subject at hand to come together, help each other navigate the world, and unite in representing their shared interests.
An example of a student organization that follows this direction is Parkland’s chapter of the International Students Association (ISA).
ISA is an example of what good can come of action in the ideals of identity politics. ISA is open to all students who want to join, including those born in the United States. For the students involved, ISA is a means of bringing people together, from all different backgrounds, to create a sense of community and assist each other throughout school.
Amber Landis, English professor and faculty sponsor of Parkland’s International Students Association (ISA) explained how participating students benefit from their involvement. Through sharing books, providing volunteer opportunities, hosting fundraisers, and even singing karaoke, ISA members truly become part of not just a club but a community.
Landis, who studied in France for part of her education, expressed how studying in a new country can bring challenges that ISA helps to mediate. Coming from another country, and in some instances speaking a second language, can make it more difficult to socialize and find the help one needs to succeed in their education.
The importance of ISA lays in the need for a supportive community, and ISA has built that community through uniting those from diverse backgrounds. As mentioned above, ISA accepts all who wish to join despite their nationality. Even though American born students may feel at home at Parkland already, there’s reason to be interested.
Landis expanded on this explaining that for Americans that are involved it can break down blinders we have the potential to develop. She explained, “It’s different to hear a story like the assassination of Haiti’s President after meeting someone from Haiti.” said Landis, “I think it’s important that Americans are exposed to other cultures,” said Landis. This is a belief that is proven to be heartfelt by her 15 years of involvement with ISA.
Our student organizations such as ISA, Club Latino, Parkland PRIDE and others are exemplars of identity politics in action. The students in these organizations come together to help each other in a variety of ways, despite the challenges that are presented to them in our society due to their identities.
In the future, let’s remember when we use the phrase “identity politics” that we are not talking about an internet fad. When we are talking about identity politics we are talking about people who organize, support each other, and deserve our support as well. If you’d like to join ISA, email Professor Landis, alandis@parkland.edu. Meetings take place from 12pm-1pm on Thursdays.