Evaluating the Merits of Identity Politics: Rabbi Michael Lerner’s Criteria

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 16 May 2024 Identity politics has become a prominent force in contemporary social and political discourse. While it has been praised for amplifying marginalized voices and shedding light on systemic injustices, it has also faced criticism for potential divisiveness and the exclusion of alternative perspectives. Rabbi Michael Lerner presents a set of criteria to assess the praiseworthiness or blame-worthiness of identity politics. In this essay, I will examine these criteria and explore how they shape the progressive approach to identity politics. Rabbi Michael Lerner ------ Identity politics is a political approach and analysis based on people prioritising the concerns of their own particular racial, religious, ethnic, sexual, social, cultural or other identity group over those of other groups or society as a whole. It involves mobilizing political action around the shared experiences and interests of a particular group, often marginalized or underrepresented, in order to achieve political goals. Identity politics emphasizes the importance of the unique experiences, perspectives and concerns of that group, rather than focusing on universal political values. Criterion 1: Encouraging Inter-Identity Commonalities The first criterion Rabbi Lerner proposes is whether identity politics encourages individuals to recognize commonalities among different identity groups. Progressives’ identity politics should foster solidarity and empathy, emphasizing shared struggles and goals. By recognizing inter-identity commonalities, people can forge alliances and work collectively towards societal transformation. In a society characterised by divisions and inequalities, it is crucial for identity politics to cultivate a sense of unity among marginalized groups. By highlighting the common experiences of oppression, activists can build bridges of understanding, empathy, and solidarity. Recognizing shared struggles does not diminish the unique challenges faced by each group but rather strengthens the collective movement for justice. Criterion 2: Promoting Intersectional Liberation Rabbi Lerner’s second criterion emphasizes the need for identity politics to acknowledge that no single identity group can achieve liberation in isolation. Progressives should understand that true liberation requires respectful engagement and mutual support between various identity groups. The interconnectedness of systemic oppression demands a comprehensive approach that transcends narrow self-interest. Intersectionality, a concept coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, recognises that individuals experience overlapping and intersecting forms of discrimination based on their race, gender, class, sexuality, and other social identities. It is through an intersectional lens that identity politics can effectively address the complexities of power and privilege. By embracing intersectionality, progressives can ensure that the struggles of all marginalized groups are acknowledged and addressed in a holistic manner. Criterion 3: Acknowledging Privilege and Distortions The third criterion challenges identity politics to recognize that privilege and distortions exist within every group. Blanket labelling of entire groups as privileged can oversimplify complex dynamics and alienate potential allies. A nuanced understanding of privilege allows for a more accurate analysis of power structures and fosters empathy and cooperation among diverse groups. While identity politics rightly highlights the experiences of marginalized groups, it is essential to acknowledge that privilege is not exclusive to dominant identities. Within any identity group, there can be variations in privilege due to factors such as socioeconomic status, education, or geographic location. By recognizing the complexities of privilege, identity politics can avoid creating an “us versus them” narrative and promote inclusivity and understanding. Criterion 4: Embracing Debate and Alternative Perspectives Rabbi Lerner’s fourth criterion addresses the importance of fostering open dialogue and welcoming diverse perspectives within identity politics. Progressives should encourage debates and the inclusion of alternative viewpoints, even if they initially seem contrary to the dominant narrative. Shutting down dissenting voices undermines the potential for growth, learning, and the development of more effective strategies for social change. A healthy and robust democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Identity politics should not be exempt from this principle. Engaging in constructive debates and welcoming alternative viewpoints can strengthen the movement by challenging assumptions, refining arguments, and building broader coalitions. By creating spaces for respectful dialogue, progressives can demonstrate the openness and intellectual rigor of their movement. Criterion 5: Analysing Class Differences within Identity Groups The fifth criterion highlights the significance of recognising class differences within identity groups. Any praiseworthy identity politics should acknowledge the complexities of social stratification and avoid making sweeping generalisations. Understanding the role of class enables a more nuanced critique of oppressive systems and challenges the notion that all members of a particular identity group are beneficiaries or victims of the same system. Class intersects with various forms of identity and significantly shapes people’s lived experiences. It is essential to recognize that privilege and oppression can manifest differently within and across different identity groups. Failing to acknowledge class differences can lead to oversimplification and divisions within the movement. By analysing class dynamics, identity politics can develop a more comprehensive understanding of systemic oppression and advocate for economic justice alongside social equality. Criterion 6: Promoting Respectful Dialogue Respectful dialogue is crucial for the success of any progressive identity politics. The sixth criterion emphasises the importance of maintaining civility and avoiding demeaning or dehumanizing language. By fostering an environment of respect and consideration, identity politics can create a space for constructive discourse and bridge-building, enhancing the potential for collective action. In the pursuit of justice, it is essential to uphold principles of respect and empathy. Dismissing or belittling others based on their identities undermines the very foundations of identity politics. By promoting respectful dialogue, progressives can create an inclusive space that welcomes diverse perspectives, encourages introspection, and fosters understanding among individuals and groups with differing experiences. Criterion 7:Guarding Against Infiltration and Discreditation The final criterion put forth by Rabbi Lerner warns against undercover agents or provocateurs who may infiltrate identity groups with the intention of inciting violence or discrediting legitimate demands for social change. Progressives must remain vigilant and discerning, recognising that violence only serves to undermine the credibility of the broader movement. By staying true to nonviolent and inclusive principles, identity politics can maintain its integrity and effectiveness. Throughout history, there have been instances where state agents or extremist groups have sought to infiltrate social justice movements, aiming to provoke violence or discredit the movement as a whole. It is crucial for progressives engaged in identity politics to be aware of these risks and remain vigilant. Nonviolence, peaceful protest, and constructive dialogue are powerful tools for effecting change and countering attempts to delegitimize the movement. By staying true to its core values and rejecting violence, identity politics can maintain its moral high ground and continue to garner support from diverse communities. Rabbi Michael Lerner’s criteria provide a valuable framework for evaluating the praiseworthiness or blame-worthiness of identity politics. When applied conscientiously, these criteria help guide progressives in navigating the complex terrain of identity politics, ensuring that the movement remains inclusive, empathetic, and focused on long-term societal transformation. By fostering inter-identity connections, promoting intersectional liberation, embracing respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives, analysing class dynamics, and guarding against infiltration and discreditation, progressives can harness the potential of identity politics to dismantle systemic oppression and build a more just and equitable world. Identity politics, at its best, serves as a tool for marginalized communities to reclaim their voices, challenge dominant narratives, and fight for social justice. By adhering to Rabbi Lerner’s criteria, progressives can ensure that identity politics remains a force for positive change, rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to dismantling intersecting systems of oppression. It is through the recognition of shared struggles, the promotion of intersectional solidarity, and the fostering of respectful dialogue that identity politics can build bridges, forge alliances, and create a more equitable society for all. ---- A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are ( co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/identity-politics-rabbi-michael-lerner-criteria/d/132327 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism