Interesting passage about political correctness, social justice etc

The legacy of identity politics has produced a problematic language idealism where we focus more on correct words and phrases rather than the material basis of oppression… And even in the moment where we imagine we are indeed combatting real world oppression we are, in fact, simply engaging with the level of appearance.  We often fail to recognize that those who lack the privileged education to understand the correct terminology and turns of phrase are not necessarily those who are chauvinist, just as we fail to recognize that those who possess the education to hide their chauvinism with the correct language are indeed the enemy.  This language idealism becomes nothing but a self-righteous exercise when it refuses to contemplate a praxis of mass pedagogy based on actually changing the material circumstances and instead focuses on anti-oppression training, atomized concepts of privilege, and how to speak correctly.  It becomes utterly rarified and intentionally ignorant when it demands that we waste our time examining every word and turn of phrase at the expense of changing the material circumstances upon which this language is dependent.  Moralism abounds.

[sent to me by a friend, I believe it's from: http://moufawad-paul.blogspot.com/2013/04/10-theses-on-identity-politics.html]

My Reflections on Yom HaZikaron

What is Yom HaZikaron? Is it a day of mourning? Is it a day to honor people's memories and people's service? Is it a day evaluate the immense presence of the military in the state? Is it a day to criticize Israel for not making peace? Is it a day to criticize others for not making peace? Is it a day to recall the victimization of Jews throughout history? Is it a day to reaffirm our need for the IDF?

I don't have answers to these questions. My own feelings are that everyday is a day to play the blame game on who didn't agree to make peace. Today, in my opinion, is not that day. Saying that Yom HaZikaron is for that purpose I think takes away from the incredibly personal aspects of the day. It is the day to remember the specific people that have been killed. who have been affected by war, by terrorism.

I think that one of the reasons people in the states feel less inclined to observe Yom HaZikaron--aside from the fact that many people don't know anyone in the IDF or anyone that has been killed--is that the holiday is tied to the military. It is a day to commend Israel's soldiers for their service. This can be uncomfortable, but I think that it is completely necessary. First, it is imperative, in my opinion, to remember that the IDF is composed of individuals, and I don't think that honoring them should be dismissed in the name of feeling uncomfortable with particular actions that the IDF takes. And second, I firmly believe that at this moment in history, the service of Israeli soldiers is crucial to Israel's existence. To avoid acknowledging this is a shame to say the least.

I also think it is a day to think of peace. To hope for a day when the purpose of the IDF will be different. Primarily, though, the purpose of Yom HaZikaron is exactly what its full title means: The Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism.

We should give them this day.