Checks and Balance from The Economist Woke croaks: “peak woke” has passed
Sep 27, 2024
Ainslie Johnstone and Sacha Nauta from The Economist, along with Professor Musa al-Gharbi, delve into the decline of wokeness in America. They discuss how societal attitudes towards issues like race and privilege have shifted, marking a significant change from peak wokeness in 2021-22. The conversation analyzes the rise of anti-woke sentiments and their implications for future political dynamics. They also reflect on the historical context of social movements, emphasizing the importance of free speech in today’s polarized climate.
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Local Cafe Sparks Woke Backlash
- Carmen Quiroga accidentally named her cafe "woke breakfast and coffee" and faced conservative backlash in 2022.
- Most locals defended her, so the cafe remained open despite the controversy.
Peak Woke Has Passed
- The Economist analysis finds wokeness peaked in 2021–22 and has since receded.
- The episode investigates what follows "peak woke" and its political implications.
Measure Wokeness With Long Surveys
- Use long-run surveys to track public opinion on woke topics across time.
- Compare questions on race, gender, and trans rights to spot rising and falling trends.