The Forum > General Discussion > The simultaneous rise of left-wing identity politics and right-wing populism
The simultaneous rise of left-wing identity politics and right-wing populism
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According to Kaufmann:
"Right-wing populism and left-wing identity politics have risen in tandem since 2013. Why?
The connecting thread is the contradictions of multiculturalism, which encourage a “common enemy” form of minority identity while repressing even moderate expressions of majority identity. The former produces antagonistic identity politics on the left, while both contribute to populist blowback on the right.
...
In accepting the expanded definition of racism used by the multicultural Left, the political mainstream closed its eyes to popular demands for lower immigration, paving the way for Trump and Brexit. Liberals subsequently mobilized in response to populist extremism, and survey data show increased liberal support for multicultural tenets such as affirmative action and increased immigration. All of this has further fueled polarization and eroded the quality of government.
The contradictions of multiculturalism lie behind this. How? The desire to slow immigration stems, in large measure, from an expression of majority cultural self-interest. There is no question that some restrictionists are motivated by racism against outgroups and oppose intermarriage. But most are simply conservative: attached to their own group and wishing to conserve the country they knew growing up. These people don’t dislike racial minorities and are open to immigrants who wish to assimilate. Yet multiculturalism views this, like all expressions of majority identity, as racism."
Full piece: https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/02/populism-identity-politics-why-they-rise-in-tandem/
Kaufmann argues that we need to remove some of the taboos around immigration and demographic group interests and find a sensible compromise between cultural conservatives and diversity-seeking left-wingers and liberals. But is it too late?