Michelle Goldberg, a New York Times columnist known for her incisive political commentary, discusses the evolution and backlash of 'wokeness.' She explores how social movements have shifted in recent years, focusing on language versus tangible change. The conversation highlights challenges in progressive activism and the role of social media in shaping discourse. Goldberg questions whether we might miss 'wokeness' if it fades away, while analyzing its implications for movements, policy, and the current political landscape.
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the 2010s, with a growing liberal identity causing cultural confrontations across various issues.
The term 'wokeness' has become divisive, complicating discussions on social justice by being interpreted variably across the political spectrum.
Deep dives
The Gradual Slide to Autocracy
Democracy can deteriorate subtly rather than through overt conflicts or coups. The current climate in America reveals signs that a shift toward autocracy has already begun, marking a departure from the previously prevalent democratic norms. This decline is often insidious, manifesting through incremental changes in political attitudes and public behavior. Recognizing this gradual erosion is crucial for understanding the current political landscape and its implications for the future of democracy.
Changing Political Landscape of the 2010s
The political affiliation within the Democratic Party experienced a notable shift in the 2010s, with a significant increase in members identifying as liberals. Polling data illustrates that the proportion of self-identified liberals soared from 25% in 1995 to 45% by 2015, contrasting with a decline in moderates' self-identification. This transformation was driven by shifting attitudes regarding crucial issues such as race, immigration, and gender, resulting in cultural and ideological confrontations. The emergence of a backlash against these progressive ideas underscores the tension between evolving social viewpoints and traditional values.
Wokeness: A Complex and Contested Term
Defining 'wokeness' proves challenging due to its contentious nature and variable interpretations across the political spectrum. Originally rooted in Black vernacular, the term has been co-opted by critics and used as a pejorative, complicating conversations around social justice movements. While some commend the focus on language and communication within social justice, others argue that it tends to overshadow substantive policy discussions and meaningful change. This struggle reflects broader societal debates about the effectiveness and purpose of modern activism, linking it back to historical tensions surrounding political correctness.
The Intersection of Social Media and Activism
The dynamics of social movements have evolved significantly in the age of social media, impacting both their structure and effectiveness. Increased accessibility allows individuals to quickly mobilize for causes, but this rapid organization often lacks the depth and continuity that traditional grassroots efforts provided. Consequently, movements can become reactive and fragmented, struggling to maintain credibility and define clear goals. This shift highlights the complex interaction between activism, technology, and public perception, suggesting that pressures on discourse can both galvanize support and alienate potential allies.
The 2010s saw attitudes—on issues such as race, immigration, and gender—shift to the left. Liberals became more liberal. And then a "wokeness" backlash began.
The backlash, though, didn’t just come from conservatives. It came from people all over the political spectrum. Host Jerusalem Demsas talks with the New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg about the death of "wokeness"—and whether we might miss it when it’s gone.
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