The Identity Trap

Key Takeaways

1. The identity synthesis: A new ideology reshaping Western society

The identity trap holds out a utopian vision of a perfectly just society. But in practice, it would merely succeed in tearing down the guardrails that have for the past decades allowed members of different ethnic and religious groups to live alongside each other in relative peace.

A new worldview emerges. The identity synthesis is a set of ideas that has gained significant influence in Western societies over the past decade. It emphasizes the primacy of group identities like race, gender, and sexual orientation in understanding social dynamics and addressing injustices.

Key tenets and implications:

• Skepticism towards objective truth and universal values
• Belief that power structures inherently favor dominant groups
• Advocacy for identity-based policies and separate spaces for marginalized groups
• Reinterpretation of concepts like racism, cultural appropriation, and free speech

This ideology has reshaped discussions on social justice, equality, and diversity across educational institutions, corporations, and government policies. While well-intentioned, its implementation often leads to increased division and a focus on group differences rather than shared humanity.

2. Origins in postmodernism, postcolonialism, and critical race theory

At their best, philosophical liberals believe, humans are driven by their capability to make common cause with people who have different beliefs and origins rather than their membership in specific groups.

Intellectual foundations. The identity synthesis draws from three main academic traditions that gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century:

1. Postmodernism:

2. Postcolonialism:

3. Critical Race Theory:

These intellectual currents converged to create a framework that prioritizes group identities, challenges traditional liberal values, and seeks to reshape societal structures perceived as inherently oppressive.

3. Social media and mainstream adoption of identity-focused discourse

Ever since the 1960s, the left has started to devote growing attention to questions of identity. Over the course of three or four decades, feminism and antiracism, gay rights and trans liberation, came to stake their place as integral parts of left-wing political discourse.

Digital amplification. Social media platforms played a crucial role in popularizing and spreading identity-focused ideas beyond academia.

Key factors in this process:

• Emergence of platforms like Tumblr that encouraged identity exploration
• Viral spread of simplified versions of academic concepts
• Incentives for media outlets to produce identity-focused content for engagement

Mainstream adoption:

• Legacy media incorporating identity-focused language and perspectives
• Corporate embracement of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Political parties adopting rhetoric and policies aligned with identity synthesis

This shift transformed public discourse, making concepts like "white privilege," "microaggressions," and "intersectionality" part of everyday conversations and policy debates.

4. The short march through institutions: How the identity synthesis gained power

The identity trap seduces complex people into seeing themselves as wholly defined by external characteristics whose combinations and permutations, however numerous, will never amount to a satisfactory depiction of their innermost selves.

Rapid institutional change. A new generation of graduates, steeped in identity-focused ideas, entered influential institutions and reshaped them from within.

Areas of significant impact:

• Universities: Creation of identity-based departments and curricula
• Corporations: Implementation of DEI training and policies
• Nonprofit organizations: Shift in mission focus and grant-making priorities
• Government agencies: Adoption of "equity" as a policy goal

Mechanisms of change:

• Social media pressure on organizations
• Fear of public backlash for perceived insensitivity
• Competition among institutions to appear progressive

This "short march" through institutions accelerated the adoption of identity synthesis ideas, often without thorough debate or consideration of potential drawbacks.

5. Challenging universal values: Free speech, cultural exchange, and integration

The identity trap poses serious dangers. It undermines important values like free speech. Its misguided applications have proven deeply counterproductive in areas from education to medicine.

Redefining core principles. The identity synthesis challenges long-standing liberal values, often reinterpreting them through an identity-focused lens.

Key areas of contention:

1. Free speech:

2. Cultural exchange:

3. Integration:

These shifts represent a significant departure from traditional liberal approaches to social cohesion and individual rights, potentially undermining the basis for diverse societies to function harmoniously.

6. The flaws of equity-based policies and race-sensitive decision-making

The benefits of equity-inspired public policies are less obvious than they at first appear. Conversely, the costs are more serious than is usually acknowledged.

Unintended consequences. Policies aimed at achieving equity often lead to problematic outcomes and exacerbate divisions.

Examples of flawed equity-based approaches:

• Prioritizing race over medical need in COVID-19 treatment decisions
• Race-based admissions policies in education
• Identity-based distribution of government aid and resources

Key issues with equity-focused policies:

• Can lead to worse outcomes for all groups, including those they aim to help
• Often ignore within-group variations and individual circumstances
• May increase racial tensions and resentment
• Can violate principles of equal treatment under the law

These policies, while well-intentioned, often fail to address root causes of inequality and can create new forms of injustice.

7. Liberal universalism: A more effective approach to combating injustice

The key to an aspirational politics that can actually build a better world lies in living up to, not in abandoning, universal values and neutral rules.

Reaffirming universal principles. Liberal universalism offers a more effective and unifying approach to addressing social injustices.

Core tenets of liberal universalism:

• Equal treatment under the law regardless of identity
• Protection of individual rights and freedoms
• Emphasis on shared humanity and common goals

Benefits of this approach:

• Allows for addressing systemic issues without increasing social division
• Provides a framework for gradual, sustainable progress
• Maintains social cohesion in diverse societies

Liberal universalism acknowledges historical and ongoing injustices while offering a path forward that doesn't rely on permanent identity-based distinctions or policies.

8. Strategies for individuals and organizations to resist the identity trap

Organizations should proactively cultivate a spirit of tolerance and viewpoint diversity. Private businesses should make it clear that employees are expected to be comfortable with having co-workers who have different political values and convictions.

Personal resistance. Individuals can take steps to counter the divisive effects of the identity synthesis:

• Engage in respectful dialogue across ideological lines
• Seek out diverse perspectives and information sources
• Advocate for universal principles in personal and professional settings

Organizational approaches:

• Implement clear policies promoting viewpoint diversity
• Resist pressure to adopt divisive identity-based practices
• Encourage open debate and discussion of complex issues
• Focus on shared goals and common humanity in diversity efforts

By actively promoting environments that value both diversity and unity, individuals and organizations can help build more cohesive and just societies.

9. The importance of maintaining empathy while opposing divisive ideologies

My family's history gives me deep empathy for the victims of racial and religious discrimination. It is impossible to understand the world without being attuned to the real ways in which categories like race, religion, and sexual orientation have historically shaped how people are treated.

Balancing critique and compassion. While opposing the divisive aspects of the identity synthesis, it's crucial to maintain empathy for those who have experienced discrimination and marginalization.

Key considerations:

• Acknowledge the real pain and injustice that motivate many advocates of identity-focused approaches
• Seek to understand the experiences of marginalized groups without accepting divisive ideological frameworks
• Propose constructive alternatives that address legitimate concerns without resorting to identity-based division

By combining principled opposition to divisive ideologies with genuine empathy and a commitment to justice, we can work towards a more unified and equitable society that respects the dignity of all individuals.

Last updated: January 25, 2025

Report Issue