The Identity Myth

2021 saw the rise of anti-racism, as white people sought to be better allies to people of colour. However, well-meaning white activists have unknowingly been perpetuating the very ideas they claim to be fighting against.

NeoOrientalism is an exaggeration of racial difference, and something that many activists are unconsciously promoting. In this rousing and invaluable read, David Swift urges his fellow white activists to reflect on their behaviour, revealing how our well-meaning language and political arguments are feeding NeoOrientalism and further widening the chasm of racial inequality.

“Swift persuasively argues that economic and technological trends have amplified the obsession with identity... [He] makes a convincing argument-- The Times”

Swift persuasively argues that economic and technological trends have amplified the obsession with identity... [He] makes a convincing argument The Times
Swift makes a compelling case against the preoccupation with different identities of minorities, especially on the left, as he does in favour of greater focus on what unites rather than divides people in diverse societies like ours. And he offers numerous, convincing illustrations of how internally diverse in outlook, values and interest are those of the same class, colour, gender and age-group. Jewish Chronicle
A fun and clever book Spiked

David Swift is a historian and author born in Liverpool in 1987. He has written for a variety of publications including the New Statesmen, Spectator, The Times, Independent, Tribune Magazine, Jewish Chronicle and many others. He is a regular contributor to UnHerd, and has appeared on Times Radio, BBC radio and BBC North West Tonight, discussing local history and identities. Scouse Republic is his third book.

2021 saw the rise of anti-racism, as white people sought to be better allies to people of colour. However, well-meaning white activists have unknowingly been perpetuating the very ideas they claim to be fighting against.NeoOrientalism is an exaggeration of racial difference, and something that many activists are unconsciously promoting. In this rousing and invaluable read, David Swift urges his fellow white activists to reflect on their behaviour, revealing how our well-meaning language and political arguments are feeding NeoOrientalism and further widening the chasm of racial inequality.

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