HOUSTON, February 22, 2019 — MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi returned to a sold-out crowd at Asia Society Texas Center to discuss the weaponization of culture amid the rise of identity politics. In conversation with moderator Martyn E. Goossen, Board Member at Asia Society Texas Center, Velshi described what he believes to be the drivers of ongoing culture wars across the globe and how to tackle this phenomenon.

Velshi said that individual identities can be formed around many factors (culture, religion, sexuality, or politics), drawing people together and empowering them. But Velshi warns that there can be a danger as well when people identify so strongly with an issue, as that sentiment can be leveraged against them on a large political scale. A threat to a strongly-held identity can cause people to view disagreements as a win-lose situation, rather than a conversation seeking consensus.

While he said he agrees that so-called identity politics have enabled people to join together and seek a voice, Velshi noted that society now falls behind in listening to all the voices, especially those that might seem threatening or contrary to a person’s own beliefs.

He highlighted global examples in Germany, France, and the U.K., where working- and middle-class citizens have felt left out of globalization’s economic benefits. The 2016 U.S. presidential election was another example he cited where people with economic grievances felt unheard by the establishment.

Velshi said he believes economic insecurity is the greatest driving factor in the weaponization of culture. He pointed to Canada as a success story, due not only to the country’s social safety nets — which he said significantly reduce economic stress points — but also to Canada’s methodical embrace of immigration. Velshi argued this intentional multiculturalism has resulted in increased economic productivity and success and, consequently, comparatively less populist backlash.

The best response to the phenomenon is continued conversation, Velshi concluded. In response to an audience question on the role of the media in that discourse, Velshi acknowledged that the differences between traditional news, cable opinion shows, and social media can often be blurred, resulting in confusion on what is fact versus opinion. Nevertheless, he said he believes the media must stay engaged in the discussion and encourage society to listen to every voice.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the rest of the world. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.