The problem with identity politics

in #politics8 years ago

Fact is that identity politics love mythology, but shrinks from history and facts. Slavery, racism, colonialism are typical examples,where definitions, ignorance and unrecognition of unwelcome facts play into modern power politics.

Israel and Palestine debate has the same problem. I have no problems with recognising that the scramble for Africa was wrong, even if at the time seemed like a necessity for major powers, yet when dealing with this subjects, one has to be objective enough to recognise that there are more than simple truths, more historical precedents and more colaboration from all parties,than todays myths are willing to recognise.
None of the said issues was new back in the mid 19th century, nor was limited to whites. And heres the rub. The moment you recognise the un-uniqueness of this processes...you cant blame the whites only any more. Even if you claim that colonialism as such cannot be compared with simple conquering and empire building, you have to realise that in 1500s youd bet money on the Ottomans not Europeans as being the future masters of the large parts of the globe.
It was a set of very peculiar historical,social,financial and scientific developments and not white or any other race.And of course all that clashes with your basic predisposition. So...its far more easy to get ad hominem and close the debate.As for ad hominem....few years ago it worked. Today...no one cares for being labeled with whatever fascist nonsense anymore.

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