Why Wokeness Failed (Robert Wright & Musa al-Gharbi)
Feb 11, 2025
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Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and author of "We Have Never Been Woke," dives into the complexities of political messaging and the failures of wokeness. He discusses Trump's surprising electoral victories and how the left has struggled to connect with working-class voters. The conversation highlights the tension between class-based politics and identity politics, questioning whether Democrats can unify around broader policies. Al-Gharbi critiques the role of elites in social justice and the disconnect from ordinary people's values, urging a more inclusive approach.
The podcast highlights that Donald Trump's electoral success is due to significant demographic shifts, particularly among non-white voters attracted to conservative messages.
It advocates for a class-based political approach over identity politics, emphasizing the importance of addressing economic insecurity to resonate with working-class voters.
Deep dives
Shifts in Voter Demographics
Donald Trump's victories in the 2016 and 2020 elections can be attributed, in part, to significant shifts in voter demographics among non-white populations. Despite persistent narratives suggesting Trump appeals mainly to white voters, recent trends indicate that the GOP has made meaningful inroads with African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American communities. For example, while Joe Biden secured a victory in 2020 primarily through shifts among white voters, the Republican party continues to gain support from minority voters, challenging the traditional voting patterns. Understanding these demographic changes is crucial for strategizing future electoral tactics and recognizing that a broader range of voters may be receptive to conservative messages.
Identifying Mistakes of the Political Resistance
The political resistance against Trump made several strategic missteps that can offer valuable lessons for future opponents. A critical miscalculation was the inclination to attribute Trump's support mainly to racism and xenophobia without addressing the socioeconomic and class-related issues that resonate with many voters. This narrow focus alienated potential supporters and failed to acknowledge the diverse motivations behind why individuals may back Trump or similar candidates. By centering strategies around class concerns and shared identities, future resistance efforts can broaden their appeal and engage voters who feel neglected by traditional party messaging.
Class vs. Identity in Progressive Messaging
The podcast emphasizes the importance of adopting a class-based approach rather than a predominantly identity-focused strategy in progressive politics. Many working-class individuals, regardless of race, tend to prioritize issues that address economic insecurity and class struggles over identity politics. For instance, messaging that highlights universal needs and shared economic hardships may resonate more positively with these voters. Emphasizing common goals across class lines can foster broader solidarity and inclusivity, enabling political narratives to attract a wider constituency disenchanted with elite-driven identity politics.
The Role of Knowledge Professionals
The podcast discusses the complex relationship between knowledge professionals and societal inequalities, highlighting how their increasing power and influence have not translated into positive social change. Despite their altruistic claims, these professionals often prioritize their elite status, leading to a disconnect between their intentions and actual outcomes. The narrative suggests that issues like institutional mistrust, growing inequality, and polarization have persisted or worsened, despite the growing influence of the knowledge economy. By grappling with their dual commitments to egalitarianism and elitism, knowledge professionals must recalibrate their approach to create meaningful change that benefits all members of society.
Musa’s track record as Trump-reader and his new book, We Have Never Been Woke ... The reason Trump won—twice ... Messaging that works for the working class ... Has the left lost the faith(ful)? ... Who is wokeness even for? ... Biden’s bad messaging ... Why elites failed to deliver on social justice ... Heading to Overtime ...
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