Best of: Is Wokeness Dead?

In 'Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women', Susan Faludi presents a detailed examination of the backlash against feminist gains of the 1970s. The book argues that this backlash, fueled by media, politics, and popular culture, blames the women's liberation movement for various problems faced by American women in the late 1980s. Faludi identifies and debunks myths such as the 'infertility epidemic' and the 'man shortage', showing how these myths were constructed and disseminated to undermine feminist progress. The book also explores historical trends of backlash following significant feminist advancements and its ongoing impact on women's rights and equality.

Zeynep Tufekci's "Twitter and Tear Gas" examines the role of social media in facilitating and shaping protest movements. The book analyzes how digital technologies are used to organize, coordinate, and disseminate information during protests, particularly in contexts of political repression. Tufekci explores the complex relationship between technology, social movements, and state responses, highlighting both the empowering and limiting aspects of digital tools. The book also delves into the strategies employed by governments to control and suppress online activism. Ultimately, "Twitter and Tear Gas" offers a nuanced perspective on the impact of social media on contemporary political action.