The Democrats' identity politics minefield
Rep. Ilhan Omar has once again exposed a rift in the Democratic caucus. A dozen House Democrats rebuked the polarizing Minnesotan for appearing to equate the United States and Israel to Hamas and the Taliban, adding that her comparison "at best discredits one's intended argument and at worst reflects deep-seated prejudice."
Omar's fellow members of the Squad were incensed. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) alleged that, by "skipping private conversations" and publicly chastising Omar in a way that will likely draw news coverage, they put Omar in danger. "Freedom of speech doesn't exist for Muslim women in Congress. The benefit of the doubt doesn't exist for Muslim women in Congress," protested Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who accused Democratic leaders of "relentless, exclusive tone policing of Congresswomen of color."
Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) went further. "I'm not surprised when Republicans attack Black women for standing up for human rights," she tweeted. "But when it's Democrats, it's especially hurtful. We're your colleagues. Talk to us directly. Enough with the anti-Blackness and Islamophobia."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
This comes not long after high-profile progressives found themselves unable to condemn anti-Semitic attacks, allegedly provoked by recent fighting between Israel and Hamas, without also denouncing Islamophobia.
The Democratic conference hails from a wider variety of immigrant backgrounds than previous generations, making unity on thorny issues in the Middle East more difficult. But there have also been changes on the left that make it harder for them to support a wealthy Western country like Israel in a fight with Muslim people of color. Where Jews fit on the intersectionality spectrum is complicated. Progressives have an easy template for dealing with racial and religious disputes that pit minorities against white racists, but a harder time adjudicating disputes that arise between different minority groups.
Omar and Tlaib, the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, have been known for their sharp criticisms of Israel. Even some of their Jewish Democratic colleagues feel the pair sometimes crosses the line.
Democratic leaders are trying to tamp down the conflict. Omar also clarified she "was in no way equating terrorist organizations with democratic countries with well-established judicial systems." But in a new era of identity politics, Democrats are likely to return to these issues again.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
W. James Antle III is the politics editor of the Washington Examiner, the former editor of The American Conservative, and author of Devouring Freedom: Can Big Government Ever Be Stopped?.
-
JK Rowling's transphobia controversy: a complete timeline
feature How did we get to this point, and what, exactly, has the author said?
By Brendan Morrow Published
-
H.W. Brands' 6 favorite books that reflect on American history
H.W. Brands is the author of "America First"
By The Week US Published
-
'Musk could receive some attention from federal law enforcement'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Is the media 'sanewashing' Trump?
Talking Points Critics say there's a disconnect between 'reality and reported news'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Tucker Carlson's WWII interview fractures conservatives
Talking Points Holocaust revisionism forces 'introspection' in right-wing media
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
What are the lessons from Ukraine's Russia incursion?
Talking Points And what do they mean for Putin's red lines?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
RFK Jr.'s Trump endorsement: GOP windfall or minor jolt?
Talking Points Some believe RFK Jr. abandoning his presidential bid could be game-changing — others aren't so sure
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
How will Kamala Harris' ban on grocery price gouging work?
Talking Points And can it bring down prices?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Thailand: heading for a 'political inferno'?
Talking Points Hopes of change fading as establishment moves to dismantle reformist Move Forward party
By The Week UK Published
-
Slash taxes on tips? Harris and Trump agree.
Talking Points Vegas workers might benefit. Will anybody else?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Kamala Harris' foreign policy a 'mix of might and right'
Talking Points How she would approach America's relationships in the world
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published