the post-modern dilemma of Charlottesville

How do we deal with the growth or emergence of "white identity politics", when so many other politically-distinguishable groups are passionately engaged in a politics of identity? (h/t: Tom Huston)

Their problems are compounded by (or potentially, begin with!) the prevalence of broken families, crony insistence on sub-optimal K-12 education, the economic challenges of globalization, and a deeply-fragmented culture. But we're unwilling or unable to address those causes. 

So, what to do? The dominant culture doesn't want people to talk candidly about sensitive topics. The preferred methods today are shame (to deal with nice people) and more aggressive uses of force (for not-so-nice folks). But how well do these methods work...really? Do you make the problems go away or do you just drive them underground (mostly) and make them worse?

Here's a helpful piece from Michael Barone...

 

If you look to idols for your security, sustenance, and solutions, you're bound to be disappointed and you'll harm yourself and others.

If your "identity" is primarily built on X, Y, or Z that cannot carry that load, your idolatry will necessarily lead to all sorts of problem for you.

As society invests more in identity and identity politics, it's likely to lead to all sorts of social and political problems-- pursuit of power over good policy; confusing symptoms and causes; more contention as small and large groups seek to impose their ideology on others; and so on.