When one group gains in this world, it’s often at the expense of another. This principle has held true throughout history, with certain demographics holding a privileged role in society; now, as minority demographics make strides in terms of representation, their counterparts see themselves as being targeted.
In the UK, the debate over relative representation has been highlighted as March draws nearer. On the 17th, the Labour Party is due to hold the Young Labour’s Equality Conference to elect representatives of four historically targeted demographics: ethnic minorities, the disabled, the LGBT community, and women.
When combined, the four demographics represented at the conference make up a large portion of the population at large. However, one group of citizens is notably excluded: straight white men. Immediately, the Labour Party faced backlash from its opponent, the Conservative Party. Deputy Chairman James Cleverly cited the conference as “yet another example of discrimination by Labour,” which goes against the necessary standard that “political parties represent each and every person irrespective of race, sexuality, or age.”
Once voicing its distaste, the Conservatives faced opposition as well. Spokespeople for the Labour Party cite the purpose of the conference as serving “people with protected characteristics,” which straight white men do not have. Supporters of the conference’s guidelines say that attendance of straight white men would be irrelevant, as it is designed to “ensure that members from disadvantaged groups are able to elect representatives to Young Labour's National Committee.”
On both sides, opinions were vocalized more informally as well. In reply to a displeased tweet by Tory MP Ben Bradley, Young Labour Women lamented in reply, “will no-one think of the straight white men?!!?”
It’s important to note that the positions being voted for at the Equality Conference were previously designated by the Labour Party as equalities officers, one of which represents each of the aforementioned populations. Each position is voted for by those who fall into the category in question.
