Individualism and the Violence of the Identitarian Left

The clash between individualism and the violence of the identitarian left. It reflects on how some leftists justify violence against political opponents while claiming to aim for a peaceful society, a contradiction that undermines their stated goals.

1. Celebration of Violence: The identitarian left is described as celebrating violent acts against their political opponents, exemplified by students rejoicing over Charlie Kirk's assassination, which indicates a broader acceptance of violence within their ideology.

2. Academic Theories Justifying Violence: Sociologist Frank Furedi argues that violence is perceived as an act of self-care within certain identity groups, encouraging a mindset that views it as justified against perceived oppressors.

3. Impact on Libertarian Ideals: As leftist ideology becomes more openly violent, libertarians find it challenging to defend individual liberty without being associated with these radical and violent tactics.

4. Issues with Modern Individualism: The concept of individualism has become associated with selfishness and violence, especially as leftists demand respect for their identities, equating any failure to comply with violence.

5. Historical Context of Violence: Historical examples show that the fight for liberty has often involved violence, drawing parallels between past abolitionists and current social justice movements.

6. Confusion of Defense and Aggression: The lines between self-defense and aggression have blurred, with some groups believing their violence against others is justified while ignoring their own aggressive actions.

7. Libertarian Views on Self-Ownership: Libertarians uphold the principle of self-ownership, advocating that individuals should live freely without interference, as long as they do not infringe on others' rights.

8. Perverse Departure from Foundational Principles: There is a concern that today’s individualism, when rooted in violence against ideological opponents, deviates from the foundational American standards of freedom and reason, as expressed by libertarian thinkers like Murray Rothbard.

While libertarians advocate for individual liberty, the rise of violence in identitarian politics complicates these ideals. The article suggests that the left’s embrace of a violent ideology poses significant challenges to the defense of individual freedom, as it fosters a culture where respect for individual differences is threatened by aggressive tactics. The ongoing struggle to reconcile the concept of individualism with the violent actions of some identity groups illustrates a deep ideological divide within contemporary political discourse. 

https://mises.org/mises-wire/individualism-and-violence-identitarian-left