Equity cards drama

I will certainly get cancelled for this take but I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not the only one feeling this way…

As many of us saw, different clips from convention are going viral (and not in a good way) specifically clips where there was some tension around the use of equity cards.

First off, let me be clear that that I’m all for making room at the table for everyone, including marginalized communities. That being said, I don’t believe equity cards are the way to go about doing that.

For one, the image that these clips have projected is one of a party that is obsessed with questions surrounding identity/DEI as opposed to kitchen table issues. This was the most perfect gift we could’ve given to the right. They are having an absolute field day with this! I also think there is a sizeable chunk of people who might’ve been sympathetic to the NDP but were thrown off by what they saw.

I think this is particularly damaging when we know how toxic those culture wars are and how they distract from messages on class politics. I think Avi has been pretty laser focused on class and improving the material conditions of Canadians during his campaign but I fear this “incident” will make people dismiss that entirely.

That being said, that does not mean the struggles of marginalized communities are not important and worth fighting for or that we should set them aside. I think it’s about reframing HOW we fight for marginalized AND non marginalized communities. Ultimately, a rising tide lifts all boats and I think that’s the message we need to hammer down.

*disclaimer this is not an attack on the individuals who used the equity cards at convention*