The Good Fight John McWhorter on Why Woke Ideas Harm Minority Communities
Dec 4, 2021
In this engaging dialogue, John McWhorter, a linguist and author known for his insights on race and culture, argues that wokeness operates like a religion with its own dogma. He critiques how current anti-racist practices can inadvertently harm minority communities, emphasizing the need for open dialogue. McWhorter and Yascha Mounk explore the complexities of social progressivism, urging a focus on practical solutions over ideological extremes. They also discuss the evolving definitions of 'woke' and 'progressive,' advocating for realistic approaches to education and justice.
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Wokeness as a Fragile Proposition
- Wokeness centers on battling power differentials, particularly white power structures.
- It demands this focus supersede all other concerns, making it a fragile proposition.
SFMOMA Curator Firing
- A white curator at SFMOMA was fired for saying he wouldn't stop showcasing white artists entirely, citing reverse discrimination.
- McWhorter uses this as an example of the unjust nature of woke witch hunts.
Harmful Condescension
- Anti-racism in education condescends to Black students by avoiding challenges, assuming they are less capable.
- This is unintentionally racist and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
