Schlaglichter N°2 The history and politics of white identity 05.03.19 in Berlin, Ballhaus Ost

Vortrag: Kenan Malik
Im Gespräch: Jacinta Nandi

(in englischer Sprache)

The far right bemoans the decline of 'white identity' in the face of immigration. Sociologists analyse the anxieties of the 'white working class'. Politicians debate whether 'white identity' should be protected, and how. Critics denounce it as camouflage for racism. In the age of populism, 'white identity' has become central to political debate. But what is white identity? Why has it become so important? What are its historical and political roots? How does it relate to other forms of identity politics? And does the concept make any sense? These are the questions Kenan Malik addresses in this talk. He traces the history of 'white identity' from the counter-Enlightenment to the alt-right. He explores the changing relationship of left and right to the politics of identity. He explains the social reasons for the contemporary significance of white identity, and its political consequences. And he looks at how we should respond to the demand for white identity to be recognized.

»Schlaglichter« Positionen und Debatten zur Gegenwart
Die Diskussionsreihe beleuchtet aktuelle (gesellschafts-)politische und ökonomische Fragen. Autor*innen aus Wissenschaft und Publizistik eröffnen mit einem  essayistischen Vortrag die einzelnen Abende und diskutieren im Anschluss mit dem eingeladenen Gesprächsgast und dem Publikum.

Eintritt: 3€