I was a young punk, I thought anarchy was a legitimate political view point, and I don’t mean the boring Noam Chomsky kind. When we talk about “identity politics” I feel like you are hitting on this trap of the self. I could make this about trans, but lets make it about being a punk. Being a punk means you look a certain way, act a certain way, listen to a certain kind of music, and this is actually a healthy kind of peer pressure. It brings people together, creates culture and community, and this shouldn’t be overlooked. When it becomes unhealthy is when it becomes an identity. What do I mean by that? I was taking a Children’s lit course, and the teacher, who was a bit older, lamented that children’s toys are all based on creative properties, that reduces the child to see the character as already created, without the potential of creating something for oneself. We’re a generation were girls grew up talking to Barbie instead of talking to the doll they named, that has her own personality. The consequence of these identities is when the music, show, or movie changes too much, the favorite toy is lost, and the child throws a tantrum. Look at the Star Wars property to see what I mean. Identity politics doesn’t have to be about gender, race, or nationality; it could be about the kind music and TV someone watches in today’s world.
I agree with your views - each one of us holds the keys to our own happiness, regardless of what happens externally. If you truly wish to embark on a spiritual journey that will address your “inner tyranny “ aka “the ego”, I’d recommend A Course in Miracles. I’ve been studying it for almost 10 years now. It’s been transformational for me and all those I interact with
I was a young punk, I thought anarchy was a legitimate political view point, and I don’t mean the boring Noam Chomsky kind. When we talk about “identity politics” I feel like you are hitting on this trap of the self. I could make this about trans, but lets make it about being a punk. Being a punk means you look a certain way, act a certain way, listen to a certain kind of music, and this is actually a healthy kind of peer pressure. It brings people together, creates culture and community, and this shouldn’t be overlooked. When it becomes unhealthy is when it becomes an identity. What do I mean by that? I was taking a Children’s lit course, and the teacher, who was a bit older, lamented that children’s toys are all based on creative properties, that reduces the child to see the character as already created, without the potential of creating something for oneself. We’re a generation were girls grew up talking to Barbie instead of talking to the doll they named, that has her own personality. The consequence of these identities is when the music, show, or movie changes too much, the favorite toy is lost, and the child throws a tantrum. Look at the Star Wars property to see what I mean. Identity politics doesn’t have to be about gender, race, or nationality; it could be about the kind music and TV someone watches in today’s world.
Pretty interesting article, I like it. Perhaps freedom is just the pursuit of something, the way of living, and never actually a settled state.
I agree with your views - each one of us holds the keys to our own happiness, regardless of what happens externally. If you truly wish to embark on a spiritual journey that will address your “inner tyranny “ aka “the ego”, I’d recommend A Course in Miracles. I’ve been studying it for almost 10 years now. It’s been transformational for me and all those I interact with