He was rich. His company did very well and was close to establishment. He was also gay, and Muslim.
He taught me something powerful about identity backlash.
But after 9/11 and 7/7, he felt more Muslim than ever. A part of his identity he never identified with was under attack. He was now Muslim whether he liked it or not.
This is common. When a part of your identity is under attack, a lot of people become more attached to it.
Same for other groups. Sikhs rallied even stronger after the 1984 assault on the Golden Temple, as another example.
The identity backlash effect exists, and is very strong.
They can't just turn that off.
(not saying that's the only dynamic at play)
And... it exists with white people too.
The far-right are hoping that the Left start attacking 'western identity and history' and position themselves as its defenders. So when the backlash comes, they benefit.
Let's just be cognizant that:
- identity backlashes are real
- they affect almost everyone
- be careful of not feeding into one.