Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Accused of Political Identity Theft
Two prominent Democratic politicians, Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have faced criticism for allegedly adopting oppressive narratives to gain political power, despite their affluent backgrounds. The critique centers on their use of identity politics to cultivate a connection with voters, even though their ethnic groups—Indians and Latinos—have not traditionally experienced the same systemic discrimination as Black Americans. The article argues that Mamdani, the son of affluent Indian immigrants, and Ocasio-Cortez, the daughter of an architect, have leveraged their privilege to construct an image of being the oppressed, thereby securing support from working-class and minority voters. This strategy is said to have been effective in mobilizing left-wing activists and securing political victories, though it comes at the cost of exploiting political resentment.
The article notes that both politicians, like former Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have built their political identities around the myth of historical oppression, despite the lack of substantial evidence to support such claims. For example, Mamdani claimed to be Black on his college application due to his birth in Uganda, despite being the son of two well-educated and affluent Indian parents. Ocasio-Cortez, on the other hand, has embraced the identity of a ‘Bronx girl’ despite having moved to a tony area of Westchester County by age five. The author argues that these narratives are used to advance their political careers, as they are seen as representatives of the oppressed, even though their backgrounds do not align with the historical experiences of the groups they claim to represent.
The article warns that the success of such politicians could result in a system that rewards the elite and punishes those below them. The author suggests that critics should emphasize the value of America’s opportunities and the dangers of manipulation by self-serving elites. By framing the argument around America and manipulation, critics can challenge the political identity theft strategies of Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez, highlighting the potential negative consequences of their policies and their impact on the broader electorate.
The piece also draws parallels to historical figures such as Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Mao, who, despite their privileged upbringings, were able to gain support by presenting themselves as representatives of the oppressed. The article argues that the practice of identity theft in politics serves to distort the narrative of oppression and manipulate voters for personal gain. As the article concludes, the reliance on such strategies will likely continue, as they have proven effective in securing political power. However, the real consequences of this political identity theft are the potential for a system that favors the privileged and marginalizes those who do not fit into the established narratives of oppression.