Beyond Zohran Mamdani: Social media amplifes the politics of feelings
Zohran Mamdani: Amplifying Politics Through Emotions and Organization
Zohran Mamdani's election as New York City's mayor serves as both a symbol of global hope and a testament to the transformative power of grassroots organizing across diverse communities.
The Born Identity
Born in Uganda to a South Asian African Muslim father and a Hindu Indian mother, Mamdani's diverse background resonates with many around the world, making his election a global celebration of representation and identity.
A Movement Beyond Identity
While Mamdani's identity garnered widespread international support, his victory was built upon a grassroots campaign that bridged differences to focus on critical local issues like cost of living and democratic socialism, drawing parallels with figures like Bernie Sanders.
The Digital Echo Chamber
Mamdani's rise was propelled by social media, which amplified the emotional and symbolic facets of his campaign, demonstrating the modern power of the politics of feelings amid algorithm-driven visibility and engagement.
Challenge and Crucible
Despite the celebration, Mamdani faces challenges from both supporters and detractors in the U.S., as social media stokes both admiration and opposition, illustrating the double-edged nature of identity politics in the digital age.
Ultimately, Mamdani’s story is about harnessing collective emotions toward a shared cause, transcending identity to focus on tangible change.
