We Have Never Been Woke, Part 9: Why Have Elites Never Been Woke?
This article is part of an ongoing series that delves into the complex relationship between woke ideology and the actions of its most ardent supporters. Musa al-Gharbi’s book, We Have Never Been Woke, challenges the discrepancy between the professed ideals of the woke movement and the practical implications of those beliefs.
Al-Gharbi acknowledges that the woke community is not inherently insincere in their advocacy for social justice. However, he highlights a troubling pattern where the policies supported by the woke often benefit the symbolic capitalist class, perpetuating inequalities rather than addressing them.
One of the central arguments in Al-Gharbi’s book is the internal conflict within the woke community. While they strive for egalitarian outcomes, they also seek to maintain their elite status and privilege. This tension between progressive ideals and personal ambitions creates a paradox that shapes their behavior and decision-making.
When faced with choices that could uplift marginalized communities but potentially threaten their own position, the woke tend to prioritize self-preservation over genuine social change. Al-Gharbi illustrates how this dynamic plays out in various contexts, such as the perpetuation of licensing barriers that disproportionately impact minorities.
Furthermore, the woke employ strategies like moral credentialing, licensing, cleansing, and disengagement to justify their actions and mitigate cognitive dissonance. These mechanisms not only rationalize their behavior but also reinforce the divide between their proclaimed values and actual practices.
Al-Gharbi also sheds light on how the woke culture, despite its progressive facade, can alienate individuals from minority and low-income backgrounds whose values do not align with elite norms. This paradoxical exclusion within inclusive spaces highlights the inherent contradictions within woke ideology.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that the woke have never fully embodied their professed ideals, leading to a reevaluation of what it truly means to be woke. The exploration of whether there are elements of wokeness worth preserving, albeit in a revised form, sets the stage for further introspection and dialogue.
Stay tuned for the next installment in this series as we delve deeper into the nuances of wokeness and its implications for societal progress.
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