
Musa al-Gharbi
Sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University. A columnist for The Guardian, his writing has appeared in major publications such as The New York Times and The Atlantic.
Top 10 podcasts with Musa al-Gharbi
Ranked by the Snipd community

88 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 57min
Does being "woke" do any good?
Musa al-Gharbi, a journalist and professor at Stony Brook University, tackles the contentious landscape of 'wokeness.' He unpacks its historical roots and how it has evolved into a political weapon. Al-Gharbi discusses the disparity between elite narratives and everyday experiences, questioning if wokeness genuinely drives social change or becomes performative. The conversation reveals the cultural rift between 'woke' and 'anti-woke' camps, emphasizing how both sides prioritize cultural issues while neglecting socio-economic factors.

47 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 49min
Musa al-Gharbi on Elite Wokeness, Islam, and Social Movements
Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University, discusses the cultural contradictions of wokeness in his book, "We Have Never Been Woke." He delves into why elite activism ebbs and flows, touching on psychological factors and the unique identity of Black Muslims in America. Musa reflects on his journey from Catholicism to Islam and highlights contributions from Islamic scholars to social science. He also explores the complexities of Muslim immigration in Europe and the dynamics of social movements today.

46 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 21min
Elite Envy
In this discussion, sociologist Musa al-Gharbi, known for his book "We Have Never Been Woke," explores the pitfalls of the woke movement and the complexities of social justice. He argues that the desire for fairness often comes without individual sacrifice, revealing the flawed narratives surrounding wealth redistribution. The conversation also critiques elite hypocrisy, touches on historical roots of wokeness, and examines the disconnect between societal elites and the average citizen, highlighting the challenges of genuine social progress.

41 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 40min
What Sparked the Great Awokening
Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist from Stony Brook University and author of "We Have Never Been Woke," delves into the phenomenon of wokeness and its cultural implications. He discusses the historical roots of the Great Awokening, linking it to past movements and exploring the role of elite overproduction. Al-Gharbi critiques modern social movements like Black Lives Matter and the Me Too movement, examining their disconnect with traditional activism. He also highlights the evolution of college education and its impact on social dynamics and class structures.

24 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 47min
Why sociologist Musa al-Gharbi says social justice elites value performance over progress
Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University, delves into the contradictions of the so-called 'woke elite' in his riveting discussion. He explores how social movements like Black Lives Matter often fall prey to elite co-option, emphasizing their disconnect from the communities they aim to help. Al-Gharbi critiques the performative nature of activism and the concept of symbolic capitalism, urging for genuine engagement over superficial gestures. His insights challenge the way we view social justice and the impact of personal biases on activism.

17 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 46min
We Have Never Been Woke: A Conversation with Musa al-Gharbi
In this engaging discussion, Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University, tackles the complexities of social capitalism and its impact on political leanings. He argues that the elite often undermine their own principles of equality, despite their good intentions. Al-Gharbi challenges simplified narratives around wokeness, critiques the disconnect between advocates and the communities they claim to represent, and reflects on how professions shape values and political divides in today's society.

14 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 40min
We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite w/ Musa al-Gharbi
Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and author, dives deep into the complex cultural contradictions of today's elite in the wake of the woke vs. anti-woke debates. He discusses symbolic capital's pivotal role in shaping ideologies and critique of both sides' superficially transformative activism. Al-Gharbi also dissects the shortcomings of corporate diversity training and how polarization undermines social justice advocacy. Reflecting on the impact of digital advancements, he urges for a balance between control and freedom in this era.

13 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 40min
Musa al-Gharbi, "We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Musa al-Gharbi, an author who delves into the contradictions of social justice movements, offers a thought-provoking critique of the new 'woke' elite. He argues that this group uses social justice rhetoric to gain power while perpetuating inequality. The conversation covers how symbolic capitalism shapes societal perceptions and explores the conflicts within wealthy foundations. Al-Gharbi also discusses the evolving narrative of trauma in America, highlighting how broader definitions of trauma impact notions of victimhood, particularly across different socioeconomic groups.

7 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 55min
Who Is to Blame for Wokeness?
Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist from Stony Brook University and author of 'We Have Never Been Woke', dives deep into the roots of wokeness and how it has been shaped by social dynamics. He argues that the narrative surrounding wokeness often ignores the role of 'symbolic capitalists' who wield ideas as a form of social currency. The conversation critiques the manipulation of ideologies by elites and challenges listeners to rethink blame in societal issues while exploring the complexities of media influence and professional standards in modern society.

6 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 16min
Episode 230: Why Liberal Elites Have Unraveled So Spectacularly (With Musa Al-Gharbi)
Musa Al-Gharbi, a sociologist and author of "We Have Never Been Woke," joins the conversation to unpack the unraveling of liberal elites. He shares personal experiences with cancel culture and discusses the role of symbolic capitalists in shaping societal values. The talk critiques how social justice initiatives often favor the elite while overlooking systemic inequalities. Al-Gharbi also explores the relationship between identity politics and elite dynamics, revealing the complexities in contemporary social movements and the challenging narratives of privilege.