Identity politics and cancel culture w/Norm Finkelstein | The Chris Hedges Report
The Real News Network・20 minutes read
Norman Finkelstein criticizes the current woke culture and the shift from class politics to identity politics, emphasizing the importance of balancing universal and local identities and criticizing the lack of substance in contemporary identity politics arguments. He discusses the flaws of generic racial categories in affirmative action, highlighting the importance of diversity in education and the benefits of a diverse classroom environment, while also pointing out the contradictions in woke culture's support for certain political figures like Bernie Sanders.
Insights
- Norman Finkelstein faces backlash for critiquing identity politics and cancel culture, drawing parallels between contemporary cancel culture and past red-baiting tactics targeting leftist movements.
- Finkelstein emphasizes the need to balance universal and local identities, criticizes the lack of coherence in contemporary identity politics arguments, and discusses the flaws in generic racial categories in affirmative action, advocating for diverse environments representative of all humanity.
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Recent questions
What are Norman Finkelstein's views on identity politics?
Finkelstein criticizes current woke culture and the shift from class politics to identity politics within the Democratic Party. He emphasizes the importance of balancing universal and local identities without self-hatred and criticizes the lack of substance in contemporary identity politics arguments.
How does Norman Finkelstein discuss the complexities of navigating multiple identities?
Finkelstein explores the challenges faced by individuals like Paul Robeson and W.E.B. Du Bois due to their political beliefs and affiliations. He highlights the importance of embracing diverse environments and the benefits of a classroom that represents all of humanity.
What is the Supreme Court's stance on affirmative action in education?
The US Supreme Court approved affirmative action under the condition that it enhances educational experiences by bringing different life experiences to universities. However, it cannot be used to rectify historical wrongs or assume that certain groups will support specific policies.
How did Barack Obama's presidency impact identity politics?
Obama's presidency was marketed as a morality tale, with his identity as a Black man being a central focus. His election was seen as a potential first step towards radical change, although this change did not materialize as expected.
Why did high-profile figures in woke culture oppose Bernie Sanders?
Figures like Kimberlé Crenshaw and Ta-Nehisi Coates opposed Bernie Sanders due to a clash between identity politics and class-based platforms. The New York Times, a prominent woke publication, was also notably anti-Bernie Sanders, showcasing contradictions in woke culture's support for certain political figures.
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Summary
00:00
"Challenging Identity Politics: Finkelstein's Critique"
- Norman Finkelstein has faced severe backlash, censorship, and marginalization for his views on identity politics.
- Finkelstein's book, "I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It! Heretical Thoughts on Identity Politics, Cancel Culture, and Academic Freedom," criticizes the current woke culture.
- He compares the cancel culture of today to red-baiting in the past, targeting leftist movements rooted in class politics.
- Finkelstein discusses the shift from class politics to identity politics within the Democratic Party.
- Finkelstein explores the complexities of navigating multiple identities, citing examples like Paul Robeson and W.E.B. Du Bois.
- Du Bois faced challenges and isolation due to his political beliefs and affiliations.
- Finkelstein emphasizes the importance of balancing universal and local identities without self-hatred.
- He criticizes the lack of substance and coherence in contemporary identity politics arguments.
- Finkelstein discusses the fallacy of generic racial categories in affirmative action and the importance of diversity in education.
- He shares a heartwarming example from his teaching experience at Hunter College, highlighting the benefits of a diverse classroom environment.
17:48
"Supreme Court Affirms Flawed Affirmative Action"
- US Supreme Court approved affirmative action under the condition that it enhances educational experiences by bringing different life experiences to universities.
- Affirmative action cannot be used to rectify historical wrongs, compensate for existing racism, or assume that certain groups will support specific policies.
- The premise of affirmative action, as per the Supreme Court, is flawed as individuals do not represent entire groups but reflect their unique life experiences.
- The speaker prefers diverse environments like Coney Island over all-white settings, aiming for a world representative of all humanity.
- Barack Obama's presidency was marketed as a morality tale, with his identity as a Black man being a central focus.
- Obama's campaign was a litmus test for voters, with his election seen as a potential first step towards radical change, which did not materialize.
- Bernie Sanders' campaign was based on class struggle and clear policies like Medicare for all, Green New Deal, and abolishing student debt.
- High-profile figures in woke culture, like Kimberlé Crenshaw and Ta-Nehisi Coates, vehemently opposed Bernie Sanders, revealing a clash between identity politics and class-based platforms.
- The New York Times, a prominent woke publication, was notably anti-Bernie Sanders, showcasing a contradiction in woke culture's support for certain political figures.
- Jeffrey Goldberg, a figure with a controversial past, exemplifies the complex relationship between woke culture and individuals with conflicting histories, such as promoting both woke ideals and war advocacy.
