How much do today's politicians appeal to group identities? Studies of voting behavior, from the 1940s through today, have always noted the political importance of group identities (such as race, religion, gender, occupation, and so forth). In your opinion, to what extent do politicians appeal to group identities today (as opposed to issues and ideologies), and when they do, which ones do they appeal to most? Please consider both political parties when answering—and give examples. Are these appeals effective? What political consequences, positive and negative, do these appeals have? 

250-300 word count 

use evidence and cited