Commentary: Is identity politics always bad?

Indeed, in a diverse society like Singapore’s, not all conduct and choices arising from one’s identity are problematic and nor should they be. 

Singapore’s diversity is part of what makes its society so dynamic and vibrant. The ways in which our identities inform our actions can enrich civic life and strengthen community bonds. It is therefore important to be clear about where the dividing line lies between appropriate identity politics and inappropriate identity politics. 

First, our identities inevitably shape how we view policy issues; this should not per se be problematic. Citizens should not be expected to check their identities at the door when entering the public square. Views informed by our own experience as part of certain communities should not be pre-emptively disqualified in democratic discourse. 

A secular public sphere, for instance, is not an a-religious or even anti-religious public sphere. It is merely a public sphere that does not give pre-emptive priority to any particular religious or racial viewpoint. Our identity as part of certain racial, religious and cultural communities should not disqualify us from advocating for or against certain policies. 

Second, having discussions about race and religion is not by itself identity politics, even if it takes place in a public space and involves political elements. Rather than shy away from difficult questions about difference, we should encourage respectful curiosity and hold space to ask questions about each other’s cultures, beliefs and traditions, without fear that such curiosity will immediately be labelled as offensive. Ignorance breeds suspicion, and suspicion breeds fear and contempt.