And so now the Left is riven by a pointless debate between a supposed “class-only” Left and an “identity” Left. There are valid criticisms to make of “identity politics,” the most obvious of which is that it tends to toggle between being a theory of everything and being a set of simple commonsense observations. But no sensible person should seek to altogether do away with identity politics in a society as riddled with invented divisions as this one; it would be like asking every country to disarm except the biggest one. And while it’s true that the accusation of “class-only” leftism befalls anyone who talks about class, that is no reason to lean into the stereotype. Many on the left point out that identity politics is often used by “capital” to keep the working class apart; when critics of capitalism become hostile to the mere discussion of racism, though, they are playing out the other side of capital’s little plan.

Most people who are not simply saying indefensible things to build their brand will agree that racism originated in class exploitation but that it now operates somewhat independently. The question is how much, and as this is not a question that can be answered in the abstract—it can only usefully be assessed about particular situations—the general “class vs. identity” question should be given a wide berth. Suffice to say that if you are truly worried about workers, you will always try to notice who they are and which of them is worst off. You will, if you do this, find yourself fighting racism, and also sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism—every systematized cruelty.