Human Rights Series: Identity Politics vs. Citizenship

In English

In Partnership with LICRA, USA (League Against Racism and Antisemitism) the first event of La Maison Francaise of NYU’s Human Rights series presents a conversation between Mark Lilla and Philosopher Cynthia Fleury.

Over the past two decades, identity politics has dominated the political discourse, ending an era that had prioritized multiculturalism and post-racial values. Defined by race, religions, gender, sexual orientation, powerful groups have emerged who fight for their respective rights, ones that don’t necessarily intersect nor reflect the collective good.

Some see this social construct as incompatible with the existence of a functional and responsible citizenry that they believe requires the acceptance of shared civic rights and duties, including reciprocal civic responsibility and respect for the majority. Other critics posit that the unifying factor for those who seek greater justice should not be identity but rather common economic goals .

At a time when societies are increasingly fractured and polarized, two remarkable experts will offer their views on what values – old and new – a society should prioritize to best address inequalities and legitimate grievances without eroding the universal, civic framework that makes democratic citizenship possible.