The "Etiquette of Equality”: False Consciousness and Purity Testing in Progressive Discourse
The tension between individual positionality and collective solidarity
This is a conference paper from May 2024. Here’s the abstract:
This paper examines the complexities and challenges of progressive discourse through the lens of Benjamin Eidelson’s concept of the “etiquette of equality.” Through this example, the paper explores how norms of inclusivity and respect can lead to unintended consequences, and dynamics are analyzed in relation to broader sociopolitical trends, including the instrumentalization of identity politics, neoliberal co-optation, and the tension between individual positionality and collective solidarity.
Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Judith Butler and Asad Haider, the paper critiques “performative” aspects of progressive discourse that risk undermining material struggles for justice. Real-world examples, such as debates surrounding anti-Zionism and antisemitism, illustrate how certain linguistic demands can stifle meaningful dialogue and hinder revolutionary goals. This highlights the need to balance respect with effective strategies for social change while resisting mechanisms that perpetuate false consciousness or dilute collective efforts. By engaging with concepts like performativity, mimesis, and class struggle, the paper offers a nuanced critique of contemporary progressive discourse and its potential pitfalls.
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