Left identity-based proprietary victimhood can divide people as effectively as conspiracy theories

Evidence

Conspiracy theories, as we have seen, are both symptoms of confusion and powerlessness and tools of division and distraction that benefit elites. But conspiracy theories are far from the only things that keep us divided; so, at times, are the ways we have learned to understand our own victimization, and the way it may or may not relate to the victimization of others. — Naomi Klein, Doppelganger, 1081

Categorization

• ADDENDUM: Directly parallels the ‘Complaints About Immodesty’ and ‘On Sacrifice’ essays’ interest in how identity/mourning can be weaponized; and complements the Mirror World thesis about abandoned grievances.
• XREF: Echoes the reader’s own note on how the doubling device forces Klein to confront her own proprietary pain; also parallels Adrienne Rich-style critiques of identity politics. — connects to: Conspiracy theories can be generated about conspiracy theorists themselves. — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 958; Personal victimhood predicted Trump support across both left and right. — Nurit Shnabel and Johannes Ullrich, Identity Needs in Intergroup Relations:…, 150