S1 Episode 8: “Splitting” and Identity Politics

In this episode of Heterodox Out Loud, we meet Amanda, a 20-year-old White female college student, who told her therapist, Andrew Hartz, that she “identified” as Black. Today’s piece, “Splitting and Identity Politics,” was written by Andrew Hartz, a Postdoc Fellow at Rose Hill Psychological Institute. Hartz explores the pitfalls of a psychological phenomena known as “Splitting,” a form of black and white thinking, especially on sensitive issues related to race, class, and gender, and the role that universities can play in promoting more nuanced thought and dialogue among their student bodies. To engage deeper with Hartz’s ideas, check out our related posts “Book Summary: The Coddling of The American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting up a Generation for Failure” by Sean Stevens, “Want Free Speech and Meaningful Classes on Campus? Encourage Listening,” by Jill DeTemple and “Safe Spaces, Brave Spaces, and Student Appreciation of Other Worldviews” by Kevin Singer. For comments and questions email communications@heterodoxacademy.org. This episode was hosted by Zach Rausch. The artwork was inspired by Hartz’s piece and was created by Lexi Polokoff. You can follow her on Instagram @lexipolokoffart.