The Gray Area with Sean Illing The original meaning of “identity politics” (with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor)
Aug 22, 2019
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, an associate professor of African-American Studies at Princeton and author, dives deep into the evolution of identity politics originating from the Combahee River Collective. She discusses its transformation from a tool for inclusion to one often seen as divisive. Taylor connects capitalism to systemic racism and critiques policing as a response to societal inequalities. She reflects on the political landscape shaped by Obama's presidency and the unexpected rise of Trump, emphasizing grassroots movements as crucial for true change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Identity Politics and Black Women
- Identity shapes political ideas for everyone, but the Combahee River Collective focused on Black women's experiences.
- They felt excluded by white-led anti-war, feminist, and Black nationalist movements.
Shifting Meaning of Identity Politics
- "Identity politics" was initially inclusive, aiming for solidarity among different identities.
- It became exclusive due to changing political context and academic focus in the 1980s.
Backlash Against the Black Movement
- The Black movement initially generated sympathy and calls for a larger welfare state.
- This shifted with the demonization of Black people and welfare in the 1970s and 80s.
