466. Woke Doesn't Mean What You Think - Prof. Eric Kaufmann
Oct 2, 2024
auto_awesome
Eric Kaufmann, a Canadian politics professor known for his insights on wokeness and author of "Taboo," dives into the changing meanings of wokeness in society. He unpacks the paradox of progressivism, revealing how good intentions can lead to cancel culture and identity politics. Kaufmann examines identity polarization, the complexities of race, and the suppression of truth in academia. He critiques gender dynamics in social justice and the evolution of language, advocating for the importance of dissent in cultural discussions.
Wokeness has evolved from well-meaning humanitarian efforts to extreme identity politics, causing societal polarization and impacting free speech.
Selective empathy in social justice movements can foster hostility towards certain groups, complicating unity and honest dialogue on uncomfortable truths.
Younger women show stronger alignment with progressive values, reflecting broader gender polarization in political affiliations and social issues.
Deep dives
Defining Wokeness and its Implications
Wokeness is defined as the elevation of historically marginalized races, genders, and sexual minorities to a sacred status, which differs from the idea of simply being aware of social injustices. Although initially well-intentioned, this ideology has escalated to extreme measures such as cancel culture and the demonization of whiteness, which was previously framed as a human rights concern. The concept has evolved beyond its original meaning, leading to significant societal polarization and a troubling impact on free speech. The discussion highlights how good intentions can morph into damaging ideologies when taken to extremes, illustrating a broader need for careful examination of such social movements.
Historical Context and the Rise of Liberal Humanitarianism
The evolution of wokeness is traced back to the humanitarian efforts of the 20th century, which initially aimed to secure rights for marginalized groups but progressively shifted towards extreme identity politics. Eric Kaufman argues that the historical context of liberal humanitarian principles has influenced the current overshooting of these ideals, leading to a lack of balance in societal discourse. The oversaturation of identity-focused policies has not only fostered division but has also strained various state functions like crime control and education. Therefore, the conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and adjusting the trajectory of these humanitarian values rather than dismissing them altogether.
The Nature of Empathy and its Political Consequences
Empathy, while generally seen as a positive trait, is critiqued for its selective application within the context of social justice movements. The discussion highlights that empathy can create hostile environments towards certain groups, as individuals are often compelled to align with the prevailing moral order, even to the detriment of free expression and societal cohesion. This selective empathy underscores the implications of current social dynamics, where groups perceived as dominant often face vilification while marginalized groups receive sympathy. The complexity of empathy reveals that, instead of fostering unity, it may perpetuate conflict and inhibit honest dialogue about uncomfortable truths.
The Role of Women in Upholding Contemporary Values
Women have been observed to be more aligned with progressive values than men, suggesting a tendency to uphold the current moral order within society. This shift is illustrated by looking at survey data showing younger women are more likely to support controversial measures than their male counterparts. Kaufman explains that women have historically reflected societal norms, and as such, they play a crucial role in reinforcing the values of their time, whether they are conservative or progressive. The conversation additionally explores how this reflects broader changes in political affiliations and the increasing polarization between genders on key social issues.
The Future of Wokeness and Cultural Shifts
Despite some recent retreats of wokeness from mainstream dialogue, there is caution against complacency as the ideologies espoused by wokeness remain entrenched in societal institutions. Issues such as political correctness and diversity training continue to influence interactions, leading to a culture of fear and suppression among individuals reluctant to express dissenting opinions. The historical tendency for social movements to re-emerge, often catalyzed by significant events, suggests that wokeness may continue to resurface in more insidious forms. The prediction is made that as younger, more progressive generations gain influence, the core tenets of wokeness may become even more deeply woven into societal norms and expectations.
Eric Kaufmann is a Canadian professor of politics at the University of Buckingham. He was appointed in October 2023, following his resignation from his post at Birkbeck, University of London, after two decades of service, citing political differences. Today, we discuss the origins of wokeness, what it actually is - and why it isn't what the woke say it is.
