As Women’s History Month comes to a close, it’s important to recognize that many women throughout history have challenged the idea of identity politics. Instead of focusing on group identity or victimhood, they have advocated for treating everyone equally, regardless of race, gender, or background. This perspective is not just a modern trend; it has roots in the past and continues to resonate today.
One prominent figure, Anne Wortham, a sociologist, voiced her concerns when the Supreme Court upheld affirmative action in the 1978 Bakke decision. She argued that this decision moved away from the ideal of "color-blindness" and the importance of individual merit. Raised during segregation, Wortham believed that success should be based on personal achievements rather than race.
Notable women like Rose Wilder Lane and Zora Neale Hurston also shared similar views. Lane, known for her influential book "Discovery of Freedom," emphasized that people should be judged as individuals. She wrote for the Pittsburgh Courier during World War II, stressing that the government should not make distinctions between citizens.
Hurston, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, was the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in anthropology. In her autobiography, she rejected the idea of "race pride," stating that race does not define a person’s character. She believed that culture, not skin color, shapes identity.
Linda Chavez, another advocate for a color-blind society, has argued for the importance of assimilation for immigrant success. Once a Democrat, she shifted her stance on bilingual education and racial preferences, emphasizing that everyone should be treated as individuals.
These women—Lane, Hurston, Wortham, and Chavez—represent a consistent message: identity should not dictate one’s opportunities or success. As the U.S. continues to grapple with issues of immigration and diversity, their insights remind us that fairness and personal merit should prevail over race-conscious policies. Their legacies challenge us to think critically about how we define success and equality in our society.
