Jun

Republicans: The Way To Succeed In Identity Politics

In a column posted on Pajamas Media, John Hawkins makes the case that in order for Republicans to be successful, they need to embrace identity politics.

He believes that Republicans need to reach out to minority groups like Hispanics, African Americans, and Women by gaining representation in their groups, such as the NAACP and the National Organization for Women (NOW). Hawkins thinks that if the Republican Party offers these organizations money and resources, then it will give conservatives a seat at the table and a chance to share their ideas with more minorities. Unfortunately, I don’t believe this will be the case.

Conservatives should not pander to minority organizations who deem to have the best intentions of their members, though at times seem like they are just a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party, but rather appeal to American families.

It is important that Republicans find innovative ways to get their message out to groups like African Americans and Latinos who have traditionally voted Democratic. If a minority is thinking about voting Republican, they are not as interested in what’s best for their “collective” minority group as much as they seeking policies that will allow their family grow and achieve greater prosperity .

That’s the American Dream. Republicans don’t need to cater to minority groups who are more interested in pushing an agenda, then looking out for the individual needs of its people. Rather, the GOP must find a way to teach conservative beliefs and principles in a way that allows people from all backgrounds to understand its central truths.

Conservatism is a product that doesn’t needs to be changed, but just sold better. Republicans are too worried about the details of individual policies such as gay marriage, a strong national defense, and abortion, rather then explaining in broad terms who they are as a party. They must realize that minorities don’t vote for Republicans, because they allow Democrats and their opponents in the media to frame them in a way that is inaccurate and demeaning.

Republicans should speak to minorites about how creating a competitive environment for services, such as health care, drives down the price for those services and allows more people to be able to afford them. They should show how being tough on crime will protect their communities and families from corrupting forces who look to destroy them, and how it will limit the number of people in their community who end up dead or in jail. Republicans should demonstrate to minorites how the public school system is being hijacked by government and union officials who care more about protecting incompetent teachers then in teaching their kids. Lastly, Republicans must center their economic policies in minority communities around families who take full responsibility in raising their children. They must come down hard on “deadbeat” fathers who walk out on their responsiblities and don’t pay child support. It is appalling that so many single and divorced mothers today are forced to raise their children without any support of a father. It is one of the greatest tragedies of modern American society and the GOP must be at the forefront in fighting for policies that limit the fracturing of families.