Books & Spoken Word
Mandem: Has Identity Politics Gone Too Far?
A panel discussion about identity politics presented by Mandem, in partnership with Arnolfini.
Mandem is an online media platform that offers a unique space for young men of colour to express themselves through writing, music and film. Mandem’s events create space for young people to engage in topical discussions centred around culture, politics and identity.
“In recent times two words have come under increasing scrutiny. The term ‘identity politics’ is frequently dragged through the dirt by commentators on the right who associate it with ‘political correctness’, which they deem a threat to freedom of speech. At this event we want to interrogate the negative backlash against ‘identity politics’ and decipher whether it holds any credibility. After all isn’t all politics based on some form of identity?
is needed now More than ever
“The questions we will explore at this event are:
– What is ‘political correctness’ and is it genuinely a threat to freedom of speech?
– Is it possible to deal constructively with a colonial legacy without engaging with a politics of identity?
– Are there examples of identity politics being misused within our community, and if so what responsibility do we have to address and call this out?
“Panel guests: Daniel Edmund founded the company ‘Milk For Tea’ in 2015. Through workshops, coaching and community work, Milk For Tea supports and encourages men to find their truest identity, recognise their value and live out their purpose. He has previously spoken at TEDxBristol about the dangers of toxic masculinity.
“Olumide Osinoiki studies photography at the University of the West of England. His latest photography project explores the Black British identity and seeks to place value on history and heritage as important foundations for knowledge of self.
“Vanessa Wilson is the Student Living Officer at the University of Bristol Student’s Union, representing the students on issues surrounding mental health, wellbeing and sustainability. She has been a host at radio stations such as Burst, Ujima and 10Twenty, where she combines her love for music with her drive to explore opinions about identity, race and politics.
“Marcus Fagon has two master’s degrees; one in Social and Political Thought and another in Youth and Community Work. In both courses he focused his research around racial identity and politics. He is currently working as a therapist and mentor for young people.”
The event will include a 30-minute Q&A session with the audience.
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