The Atlantic
Trump’s 2024 win spurred Democrats to reconsider identity politics. Progressive intellectuals’ push for radical measures to address societal inequalities changed the Democratic Party, but failed to resonate with majority voters. Critics argue identity politics risks overcorrecting and discarding essential tools for understanding. Equal treatment is suggested as a guiding principle, with most racial groups valuing it. Progressive identitarians’ push for “good” discrimination against privileged groups weakens norms and invites bigotry. Democrats need to reaffirm equal treatment, stop maligning identity groups, and reject discriminatory practices. Embracing “equal treatment for all” could benefit the Democratic coalition and America.