The Rise in Woke Culture - and Why You Should Worry

Woke culture, a term that was once associated with increased awareness of issues relating to social justice, has become a polarising force in modern society. This ideology was originally born out of movements advocating for racial equality, gender inclusivity, and human rights. However, the term “woke” has evolved into a broader cultural phenomenon. A type of ideology that was once viewed as a progressive step towards a more equitable world, is now being seen by many as a dogmatic way of thinking that stifles debate, limits the freedom to express, and does not allow for nuanced thoughts.

The ideology traces its roots to the American civil rights movements of the 20th century, and later, the resurgence of interest in identity politics. “Staying woke” was the term used as a call to remain vigilant against systemic inequalities, especially those targeted at marginalised communities. In the 21st century, as social media emerged, so did woke culture, as an influential societal force, focusing on promoting social awareness.

What triggered the abrupt rise in criticism towards Woke culture?

While most people around the globe care about social justice, Woke culture, for a significant amount of people has mutated into a monster that’s eating common sense alive. What started as a push for equality has spiralled into a relentless hunt, where every word, joke, or slight deviation from the approved narrative is scrutinised, censored, or worse–cancelled.

Take comedian Kevin Hart as an example. Kevin Hart was slated to host the Oscars in 2019, however a Twitter user came across a decade-old tweet that almost jeopardised Hart’s entire career. Hart’s fans argue that the joke was from a different era, and people evolve. However, due to the amplification of neo-liberal opinions on the internet, the comedian wasn’t saved from the wrath of the mob; they wanted him out.

Stat Check: According to a poll conducted by The Hill, 64% (two-thirds) of Americans believe that cancel culture poses a threat to their freedom of speech.

In most American college debate forums, disagreements to neo-liberal thought are rarely welcomed; you must agree with the mob or face public shaming. Universities, once the breeding grounds of free thought, have become echo chambers. A 2021 FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) survey found that over 80% of students admitted to self-censoring on campus. These are supposed to be institutions where the youth learn to think–but instead, they’re learning to fear.

Virtue Signalling

American corporations are known to decorate their logos with a rainbow for Pride Month, yet turn a blind eye to abuses in countries where people are deprived of such rights. Disney pulled out of the American state of Georgia, due to an abortion law, and yet, they filmed in the Chinese province of Xinjiang, which is home to an ongoing state-sponsored genocide of ethnic Uyghurs.

Celebrities take to social media to preach about trending causes, but their donations of time or money to the said causes are minimal. Case in point: Taylor Swift, who has called out the need for climate action, and has advocated for causes relating to the same. Yet, according to a Yard report, Swift’s private jet took 170 flights in just seven months, releasing over 8,000 metric tons of carbon.

The Polarisation of Everything

This has introduced a new culture of outrage, which has the potential to tear society apart. Every issue is seen as a battle between good and evil, and if you don’t identify with the “right” side, you are likely to receive the label of a bigot, racist, or any other buzzword that is trending. This leaves no room for middle ground, or debate.

We can take the example of Dr. Seuss books. Some of his work was considered problematic for racial caricatures, so naturally, there was no discussion on context, and he was just canceled.

Stat Check: A 2020 Cato Institute poll showed that 62% of Americans are afraid to share their political views out of fear of retaliation.

The Loss of Nuance

Woke thought is a binary way of thinking–you’re either part of the solution or part of the problem. It is more difficult than ever to have open discussions about race, gender, and history. Instead, you get social media pile-ons and public shaming.

We can take the example of the debate around police reform in the United States. Instead of having a balanced conversation about how police brutality should be addressed, while also recognising law enforcement’s efforts in protecting communities, it turned into “defund the police or you’re a racist”. Any moderate position on this subject was drowned out by liberal absolutism.

Stat Check: A study from Harvard’s Kennedy School of government found that 67% Americans believe that the political and media elite are fueling division rather than promoting nuanced discussion.

Woke Culture: A threat to progress?

It can be said that if anything, woke culture is making people more fearful, more divided, and much less capable of having discussions about important issues. It may have started with good intentions, but it has now evolved into a runaway train of censorship, and moral superiority. It may result in a future where only one version of the truth is allowed.