This chapter explores the concept of 'wokeness,' examining its rise and subsequent decline in political discourse and public opinion. Through data analysis and discussions on recent surveys, it highlights shifting perceptions of social justice issues, particularly in relation to race and gender. The chapter also delves into the impact of media coverage and demographic trends, revealing complex patterns in attitudes towards wokeness across different groups.
Over the past decade a form of wokeness arose on the illiberal left, characterised by extreme pessimism about America and its capacity to make progress. Analysis by The Economist of how influential these ideas are today finds that wokeness peaked in 2021-22 and has since receded. Why is America becoming less “woke”?
John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Ainslie Johnstone and Sacha Nauta, and Professor Musa al-Gharbi of Stony Brook University.
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