War on wokeness: the year the right rallied around a made-up menace
the Guardian, By Michael Harriot, on December 21, 2022

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/20/anti-woke-race-america-history

The discussion opens with a focus on the "war on woke," examining whether it's a real issue or just a political creation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' rhetoric against the so-called "woke mob" is dissected, revealing how this term has been twisted into a tool for political gain, especially on the right. The anti-woke movement is viewed as a deliberate attempt to stoke fear, promote white grievance, and maintain social hierarchies, distracting from the real issues of systemic racism and inequality. The discussion points out how the right often co-opts the term "woke," turning it into a negative caricature of social awareness.

Cynthia dives deeper, illustrating how anti-woke legislation like DeSantis’ "Stop Woke Act" seeks to whitewash history, curb critical conversations about race, and protect the status quo. She draws parallels to historical backlash, showing how every civil rights advancement has been met with resistance—just as the election of the first Black president was followed by a rise in right-wing backlash. Cynthia criticizes the manipulation of language, pointing out that what was once a movement for awareness and empathy has been weaponized into a boogeyman used to scare people into supporting conservative causes.

Further into the conversation, a clear distinction is made between legitimate criticism and personal insults. The group notes how political violence is often misrepresented by both sides of the debate. The labeling of leaders like Trump as fascists, for example, is seen as a factual observation based on behavior rather than an insult. The need for more nuanced discussions on television and in the public sphere is stressed, as simplifying or "both-siding" these issues leads to confusion.

Cynthia and Cindy explore the complex dynamics of political labeling and the use of terms like fascism, socialism, and communism, suggesting that many people misuse or misunderstand them. They stress that it's crucial to challenge harmful ideas, not just to insult individuals. This type of critical thinking, they argue, is essential for societal progress. Cynthia concludes by emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and the need for honest debates free of strawman arguments or misleading narratives.

The conversation wraps up by reflecting on how the U.S. is viewed on the world stage, suggesting that current events are tarnishing its reputation. There is a shared frustration over the close political races and the growing divide between reality and rhetoric in public discourse.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.42.3 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Jonathan Roudabush, Cindy Plaza and Cynthia McDonald

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