Yet the equity architects don’t care. In fact they understand this part of human nature well. I fear many are cultural marxists that want tribal agitation. This helps clear the way for their revolutionary goals.
This shouldn’t be a surprising outcome, we have lots of history & anthropology that predicted this.
The fight to see all humans as equal was extremely difficult. Yet in the US we were getting close in the 90s & early 2000s. This u-turn 15 years ago was surprising & horrifying. We’re now dealing with the consequences. But it gives me hope as more young people like yourself understand, internalize & spread this information.
When you think you’re some free thinker and everyone else has peddles narratives that is straight up narcissism, especially when you’re literally a copy paste of an alt right influencer.
You can say that all you want, but your words show that you’re not really as much of a free thinker that you think you are. You don’t really disagree with much of what the people on the right believe, despite having a degree in “women’s studies” (where do they offer that degree?)
Identity and narcissism live inside the frame of certainty—maybe the most dangerous human trait. It’s as “woke” as it is ultra-conservative, just two sides of the same shitcoin.
In a world of subjectivity, certainty is childish. The bad-faith replies here show you’ve hit signal.
You have a wonderful way of pointing out what should be obvious, and articulating feelings and ideas I've had for years. Love this, and you're absolutely right. The goal as humans should be acting maturely within the societal framework; not like bratty, unsocialized children that don't care they are forcing their views on everyone else.
A young child doesn't know any better; but once you pass a certain development phase you sure as shit should.
Thanks Kara. I think I have a unique perspective on some of this in particular because I actually graduated in 2012 with a degree in "women's studies". I've seen a lot of this from the inside, studied it, talked with people who believe it in their bones (I believed some of it in my bones back then, too) I'm just lucky my parents taught me about critical thinking and thinking for yourself—which helped me eventually find my way out of it and back to common sense, despite being born in one of the most liberal parts of California 🙈
Critical thinking is definitely a skill that has been lacking in people lately. As is the art of disseminating information before integrating it into your worldview. We inadvertently raised a generation or so of "true believers" without giving them something solid to believe in. And we're starting to see the results. I just hope enough of them fight their way out mentally before lasting harm is done, to either side.
Because what the extremes forget is that we are just two sides of the same coin. There's still cohesion, something binding, in the middle.
lol. You want me to explain the concept of identity politics to you? How about you tell me where it’s defined how you outlined it? Or do you want me to give you a list of books to read that you can ignore?
This is an exceptionally clear and brave articulation of the cultural moment. You've perfectly diagnosed the symptoms: the "tribal operating system" that flattens nuance and rewards narcissistic performance.
Your analysis resonates deeply with a framework I've been developing called the "Clan Trinity." It argues that this isn't just a social trend but a systematic theological corruption—a counterfeit trinity where tribal identity (the Clan) captures the sacred space meant for God, its ideology becomes the revealed Word, and its power becomes the animating Spirit. This framework explains why these conflicts feel so cosmic and unresolvable; they are, at their root, a struggle between rival objects of worship.
Your call for a return to "character," "restraint," and "humility" is essentially a call to rediscover a identity rooted in something beyond the tribe—which is the very heart of the prophetic critique. Thank you for this profound piece.
I truly enjoyed your essay, but I have some thoughts on the last two paragraphs. The 'civic virtues' you mention aren't exclusive to Americans; they're universal qualities that any ethical person, no matter their origin, should practice. It's also important to remember that the term 'American' includes people from all over the Americas—Canadians, Mexicans, Argentinians, Brazilians, and Bolivians, to name a few.... Cheers, dear US citizen :)
Women's Studies you say. I took up the study of women in the late 1990s progressing through to Gender Trouble. Its author proceeded to take the great Michel Foucault to task...to criticize him unfairly I thought...and piqued my interest. Foucault was a revelation like none other. I'm a completely different person post Foucault. I highly recommend the History of Sexuality if you've not already read it. A total blast and in my view set the stage for what came a few years later in the guise of Clifford Geertz reportage on the matrilineal Mosuo of Southwest China. The Mosuo are serious bosses, the one culture which it can be said have majorly solved the love problem, very wisely separating the utilitarian aspects of life from the romantic aspects. Marriage is of course absolutely forbidden just as there is no concept of husbands and fathers. No divorce, no restraining orders, no jealousies, no custody battles because kids live their life long on the matriarchs estate where they practice what amounts to socialism at the family level - free market capitalism for everything else. The Mosuo are the way forward I'm convinced. How we swap out the mess we have now for their brilliant social configuration remains to be seen.
Roger Scruton on the fundamental right-wing impulse: "Conservatism starts from the sentiment that good things are easily destroyed, but not easily created."
Thank you for lassoing every fleeting thought I’ve ever had on this subject and turning it into something so coherent and forceful.
“This isn’t empathy. It’s weaponized ego” exactly.
Yet the equity architects don’t care. In fact they understand this part of human nature well. I fear many are cultural marxists that want tribal agitation. This helps clear the way for their revolutionary goals.
This shouldn’t be a surprising outcome, we have lots of history & anthropology that predicted this.
The fight to see all humans as equal was extremely difficult. Yet in the US we were getting close in the 90s & early 2000s. This u-turn 15 years ago was surprising & horrifying. We’re now dealing with the consequences. But it gives me hope as more young people like yourself understand, internalize & spread this information.
I think all we can do is keep talking... keep saying things that feel hard, especially when they go against the commonly peddled narratives.
When you think you’re some free thinker and everyone else has peddles narratives that is straight up narcissism, especially when you’re literally a copy paste of an alt right influencer.
I don't claim to be an "alt right influencer"—you've attached that identity to me.
I have a degree in "women's studies" 🤣
I never said you were. I said your ideas just happen to match perfectly.
But notice how you try to use your degree to deflect, instead of something that actually shows how your ideology differs?
I don't subscribe to an ideology. That's the entire point.
You can say that all you want, but your words show that you’re not really as much of a free thinker that you think you are. You don’t really disagree with much of what the people on the right believe, despite having a degree in “women’s studies” (where do they offer that degree?)
“Alt-right”
Haven’t heard that one in a while, how nostalgic.
You said nothing of substance.
That's the problem with smooth brains. They're all about the "vibes"
Identity and narcissism live inside the frame of certainty—maybe the most dangerous human trait. It’s as “woke” as it is ultra-conservative, just two sides of the same shitcoin.
In a world of subjectivity, certainty is childish. The bad-faith replies here show you’ve hit signal.
Great read, thank you for this
Thanks, Rosie 🤍
You have a wonderful way of pointing out what should be obvious, and articulating feelings and ideas I've had for years. Love this, and you're absolutely right. The goal as humans should be acting maturely within the societal framework; not like bratty, unsocialized children that don't care they are forcing their views on everyone else.
A young child doesn't know any better; but once you pass a certain development phase you sure as shit should.
Thanks Kara. I think I have a unique perspective on some of this in particular because I actually graduated in 2012 with a degree in "women's studies". I've seen a lot of this from the inside, studied it, talked with people who believe it in their bones (I believed some of it in my bones back then, too) I'm just lucky my parents taught me about critical thinking and thinking for yourself—which helped me eventually find my way out of it and back to common sense, despite being born in one of the most liberal parts of California 🙈
Critical thinking is definitely a skill that has been lacking in people lately. As is the art of disseminating information before integrating it into your worldview. We inadvertently raised a generation or so of "true believers" without giving them something solid to believe in. And we're starting to see the results. I just hope enough of them fight their way out mentally before lasting harm is done, to either side.
Because what the extremes forget is that we are just two sides of the same coin. There's still cohesion, something binding, in the middle.
Great read
Every statement made meaning.
Ty ❤️
Thank you for writing this
🤍
Your entire Twitter feed is identity politics.
How so? Please show me what identity I am attached to.
Anti-left. Like this is something my Fox News loving uncle would post on Facebook: “i voted for Trump
i'm unapologetically capitalist
i will not call men women
i believe in personal responsibility
i reject victimhood culture in all forms
i value freedom over feelings
i'm proud to be an American”
That entire post is just you labeling yourself. It’s the right wing version of “in this house we believe Black Lives Matter” sign
Identity politics is when you use a label to demand power, protection, or special treatment.
This is just a list of values.
Nice try.
You wrote an article on identity politics and you really didn’t even think to research it? That’s just straight up incorrect.
lmao imagine accusing someone of being wrong without quoting a single line or offering any actual correction.
you keep saying “incorrect” like that means something.
ok—what’s incorrect?
name the claim.
cite the source.
lol. You want me to explain the concept of identity politics to you? How about you tell me where it’s defined how you outlined it? Or do you want me to give you a list of books to read that you can ignore?
This is an exceptionally clear and brave articulation of the cultural moment. You've perfectly diagnosed the symptoms: the "tribal operating system" that flattens nuance and rewards narcissistic performance.
Your analysis resonates deeply with a framework I've been developing called the "Clan Trinity." It argues that this isn't just a social trend but a systematic theological corruption—a counterfeit trinity where tribal identity (the Clan) captures the sacred space meant for God, its ideology becomes the revealed Word, and its power becomes the animating Spirit. This framework explains why these conflicts feel so cosmic and unresolvable; they are, at their root, a struggle between rival objects of worship.
Your call for a return to "character," "restraint," and "humility" is essentially a call to rediscover a identity rooted in something beyond the tribe—which is the very heart of the prophetic critique. Thank you for this profound piece.
I truly enjoyed your essay, but I have some thoughts on the last two paragraphs. The 'civic virtues' you mention aren't exclusive to Americans; they're universal qualities that any ethical person, no matter their origin, should practice. It's also important to remember that the term 'American' includes people from all over the Americas—Canadians, Mexicans, Argentinians, Brazilians, and Bolivians, to name a few.... Cheers, dear US citizen :)
Thanks, but the point was that America was literally founded on those virtues. And yes, we are quite the melting pot—thanks to said virtues.
Hit the nail on the head, as always!
Women's Studies you say. I took up the study of women in the late 1990s progressing through to Gender Trouble. Its author proceeded to take the great Michel Foucault to task...to criticize him unfairly I thought...and piqued my interest. Foucault was a revelation like none other. I'm a completely different person post Foucault. I highly recommend the History of Sexuality if you've not already read it. A total blast and in my view set the stage for what came a few years later in the guise of Clifford Geertz reportage on the matrilineal Mosuo of Southwest China. The Mosuo are serious bosses, the one culture which it can be said have majorly solved the love problem, very wisely separating the utilitarian aspects of life from the romantic aspects. Marriage is of course absolutely forbidden just as there is no concept of husbands and fathers. No divorce, no restraining orders, no jealousies, no custody battles because kids live their life long on the matriarchs estate where they practice what amounts to socialism at the family level - free market capitalism for everything else. The Mosuo are the way forward I'm convinced. How we swap out the mess we have now for their brilliant social configuration remains to be seen.
Roger Scruton on the fundamental right-wing impulse: "Conservatism starts from the sentiment that good things are easily destroyed, but not easily created."
Great piece. Echoes mine from last night, which traces the social contagion of moral narcissism through the Satanic Panic. https://open.substack.com/pub/sensorghosts/p/the-satanic-panic-and-the-murder?r=4l2a7m&utm_medium=ios
Good