BOTTOM LINE:
“Identifies as” is a clever bit of propaganda because sentence (A) appears to assert something as fact through the use of the verb phrase “identifies as.”
Keep in mind that verbs usually denote action; they denote that something real is happening.
The equivalent sentence (B), however, shows that the appearance of fact in sentence (A) is an illusion, a clever verbal trick.
Leftists are sneaky, so you’ve got to watch them like a hawk.
Philosophy is mental delusion. So, I assert that, I can say because I think philosophy is mental delusion that I identify philosophy as mental delusion. Therefore, philosophy is mental delusion and is not a mentally healthy way of thinking. Thus I think rational reasonable thinking is healthy and therefore, I identify rational reasonable thinking as healthy.