The Future of Woke w/Eric Kaufmann [PLUS AUSTRALIA SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT]
Jul 24, 2024
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Eric Kaufmann discusses the future of 'woke' culture, exploring topics like generational value shifts, cultural socialism, evolution of socialist ideologies, impact of wokeness on identity politics, and generational divides in woke beliefs.
Generational shifts are reinforcing woke ideologies among the youth, impacting societal norms in the long term.
The elevation of marginalized groups in wokeness restricts offensive expressions and aims for equality through policies like affirmative action.
The evolution from classical liberalism to left liberal extremism shows soft authoritarian tendencies, pushing for extreme measures and speech restrictions.
Deep dives
Generational Divide on Wokeness and Extremism
Younger generations are observed to be more woke and inclined towards liberal extremism compared to older generations. The adherence to woke ideologies among the youth is predicted to persist due to generational shifts, with values remaining consistent throughout individuals' lives. Studies indicate a significant shift in societal attitudes towards intolerance of racist speech among the younger population, suggesting a long-term impact on societal norms.
Cultural Socialism and Conceptualizing Wokeness
Wokeness is defined as the elevation of historically marginalized groups, making them sacred while deeming others, such as whites and males, as inferior. The principles of wokeness, stemming from the sacralization of certain identity groups, restrict offensive expressions and emphasize the closure of any societal gaps related to race and gender. Cultural socialism is presented as a parallel to economic socialism, focusing on redistributing resources based on race and gender, with the ultimate goal of achieving equality through policies like affirmative action and quotas.
Shift in Liberalism towards Extremism and Soft Authoritarianism
The evolution of liberalism towards left liberal extremism is highlighted, showcasing a progression from pro-nation classical liberalism to a more extreme form of left liberalism. The lack of limiting principles within left liberalism leads to a constant push towards more extreme measures, such as increasing demands for diversity and equality without considering natural disparities. Soft authoritarian tendencies are observed within left liberalism, reflected in the support for censorship, cancel culture, and speech restrictions under the guise of protecting historically marginalized groups.
Age-Related Shifts in Values and Beliefs
As people age, they tend to become more economically conservative due to their increased stake in the economy. However, on values and cultural issues, such as support for the European Union, the influence of age is less pronounced. Evolutionary psychology suggests that views crystallize by age 25, leading to a generational turnover effect in deeply held beliefs. While attitudes can evolve, deeply ingrained values often persist.
The Role of Institutions in Countering Wokeness
There is a debate on whether to reform existing institutions or create new ones to counter Wokeness. Reforming established institutions is deemed crucial as they hold cultural capital and influence public perception. While new platforms can provide alternative voices, challenging dominant narratives, reforming mainstream institutions like schools is highlighted for impacting young minds. Initiatives like injecting real liberalism into existing systems are seen as strategic approaches to resisting ideological indoctrination.
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