Common Misconceptions of Wokeness

Typically, the term "woke" is associated with university students who are just beginning to grasp complex ideas but remain largely uninformed. The concept of the "wise fool," which dates back to ancient Athens, underscores this issue, highlighting a long-standing pattern of ignorance mixed with arrogance.

While often linked to leftist politics, the wokeness phenomenon is also present on the right. I first noticed this with the Tea Party, where many participants claimed to have recently developed an interest in politics, declaring their newfound awareness. Similar sentiments have echoed through movements like the Birthers, the MAGA supporters, and the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, all expressing a sense of being "awakened" to political realities.

The first video, Why did "woke" go from Black to bad?, delves into the evolution of the term "woke," examining its roots and how it has transformed over the years.

The Danger of Misplaced Awareness

In many instances, those who identify as "woke" on the right aren't genuinely aware of anything new; rather, they have adopted conspiracy theories that give them a false sense of unique insight. This situation poses a significant risk, as these individuals are often motivated to act on falsehoods, viewing a substantial portion of society as malevolent and justifying violent actions against imagined foes.

Fighting these illusory enemies can lead to atrocities, as history has shown. The delusions perpetuated by groups like QAnon echo the age-old Jewish Blood Libel, accusing perceived adversaries of horrific acts against children. This dangerous narrative has recurred throughout history, surfacing during the Inquisition, witch hunts, and the Satanic Panics of the 1980s.

The Right's Violent Wokeness

The rise of groups like the Proud Boys, who openly endorse violence to address grievances from the MAGA movement, is reminiscent of the early days of the Third Reich. While the right often emphasizes the threat posed by Antifa, it's essential to recognize that Antifa is more a collection of spontaneous gatherings than a well-organized group.

This right-wing version of wokeness carries a dangerous edge, distinct from the left. Though the left has its own peculiarities, they are generally less violent and stem from academic theories. Much of this stems from the pressures within humanities departments, where professors are compelled to produce new work, even when lacking meaningful contributions.

In the second video, Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?, the challenges of navigating political discourse as a young activist are explored, shedding light on the broader implications of wokeness.

The Need for Change in Academia

This emphasis on quantity over quality often results in a deluge of mediocre ideas. Figures like Judith Butler and Jordan Peterson exemplify this trend, as neither articulates their ideas clearly enough for a general audience to grasp. Even their most ardent supporters struggle to comprehend their work.

In the humanities, a shift towards valuing quality over sheer volume is necessary. Fostering genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for wisdom should take precedence over the relentless pursuit of new theories that lack meaningful insight. The fundamental truths of existence may be mundane, but they have been understood for centuries.

The Issue with Current Wokeness

While it is expected that younger individuals might exhibit a lack of knowledge, the same cannot be said for older individuals, particularly those in their 50s who align with right-wing ideologies. Their failure to educate themselves stems not from a lack of intelligence but from a profound laziness, neglecting the civic duty to be informed participants in democracy.

We must hold them accountable for their ignorance instead of making excuses for their disengagement.