Immigration identity politics destroyed the idea behind ‘us Australians’

Key Concepts

• Political Polarization by Gender: The increasing divergence in political leanings between young women and young men, with women trending significantly leftward.
• Weaponization of Anxiety: The idea that anxieties surrounding issues like climate change and social injustice are being exploited by the left to attract young women.
• Value-Based Politics: A shift from policy-focused political engagement to expressing values and opposition to disliked figures or ideologies.
• Fragmentation of National Identity: The erosion of a shared Australian identity due to mass immigration and identity politics, leading to tribalism.
• Cultural Touchstones & Gendered Experiences: The role of issues like sexism, misogyny, and perceived oppression in driving the political divergence between genders.

The Growing Leftward Shift of Young Women: A Detailed Analysis

The discussion centers around a notable trend: the increasingly pronounced leftward political leanings of young women compared to their male counterparts globally. Data from Australia, the United States, Britain, Germany, and South Korea demonstrate this gap, with the disparity widening over the past five years. In Australia, a survey by the ABC’s Vote Compass revealed that two-thirds of women under 29 identify as left or moderately left, compared to only half of young men in the same age group. A similar 23-point gap is observed in the US.

The Role of Social Media and Anxiety

Lisa Godard attributes this shift to the environment in which young women are growing up. She argues that the pervasive use of social media exposes them to constant messaging about impending crises – particularly the climate crisis – fostering a sense of victimhood and anxiety. Godard posits that the left has “cleverly…weaponized” this anxiety, offering a sense of belonging and ideological home. She emphasizes the urgency for conservative parties to understand this dynamic, noting their historically low female vote share in 2022 and the need to address the issues within universities to offer a viable alternative. As Godard stated, “what the left have very cleverly done…is they’ve taken that anxiety…and weaponized it into ideology.”

A Shift in the Nature of Left-Wing Politics

Joe Hilderbrand offers a different perspective, suggesting that the nature of left-wing politics itself has changed. He contrasts the “gold standard” of the Hawke era – focused on economic outcomes and pragmatic policy – with the current emphasis on expressing values and opposition. He highlights a case study where individuals weren’t motivated by support for the Labor party, but rather by strong opposition to figures like Peter Dutton. Hilderbrand argues that the modern left is increasingly “united by what they hate,” citing examples like Dutton, Israel, sexism, and even questioning the binary concept of sex. He suggests this resonates more strongly with women due to cultural narratives surrounding oppression and the patriarchy. He notes, “It’s actually not about the policies…It’s about expressing my values and what I disapprove of.”

Biological and Sociological Factors

The discussion also touches upon potential biological and sociological factors. One participant suggests that women, historically bearing the responsibility of childbearing and experiencing greater vulnerability, may be more inclined towards seeking communal security, a tendency potentially amplified by the current climate of fear and perceived threats.

Fragmentation of Australian Identity and the Issue of Unity

The conversation shifts to the internal challenges facing Australia, specifically the fragmentation of national identity due to mass immigration and identity politics. The Prime Minister’s call for unity following the Bondi massacre is criticized as tone-deaf, given the existing divisions and extremist views within the population. Examples cited include extremist Muslim views opposing solidarity with Jewish Australians and the controversial statement by artist Matt Chun (“We don’t mourn fascists”) regarding the Bondi victims.

The discussion highlights a growing disconnect between the government’s rhetoric of inclusivity and the reality of tribalism. The act of flying the Australian flag is now perceived by some as a sign of racism, demonstrating the erosion of a shared national identity. A quote from a Sydney resident overheard in a coffee shop illustrates this sentiment: dismissing the Bondi massacre as a matter that “they just need to move on” from, attributing it to a “Jewish marketing machine.” This exemplifies the deep-seated divisions and the difficulty of achieving genuine unity.

Australia Day and the Importance of National Pride

The upcoming Australia Day is presented as a crucial moment to reaffirm national pride and values. The speaker advocates for proudly flying the Australian flag and emphasizing what it means to be Australian, arguing that this is essential to counter the fragmentation and division.

Conclusion

The discussion reveals a complex interplay of factors driving the political divergence between young women and men. Social media, anxiety, a shift in the nature of left-wing politics, and potentially biological/sociological predispositions all contribute to this trend. Furthermore, the conversation highlights the challenges facing Australia in maintaining national unity amidst increasing fragmentation and the need to address the underlying issues driving these divisions. The key takeaway is that understanding these dynamics is crucial for political parties and policymakers seeking to engage with and represent the concerns of young women and foster a more cohesive society.