Women, Politics, Personality, and Self Esteem | Eric Kaufmann | EP 453

The Third Awakening: Unmasking the 'Woke' and Navigating the Culture Wars

In this insightful podcast episode, Dr. Eric Peter Kaufman, a Canadian author and professor from the University of Buckingham, joins the discussion to delve into the complexities of the culture wars and the phenomenon of “wokeness." Dr. Kaufman, a rare voice of conservatism within the social sciences, brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

Dr. Kaufman argues that the current cultural landscape is not a sudden deviation but rather an acceleration of "left liberalism." This ideology, he contends, has its roots in the early 20th century, with its core tenets centered around making identities sacred and demanding absolute equality, particularly for historically marginalized groups. He emphasizes the emotional and intuitive nature of this ideology, driven by a bottom-up empathizing process rather than a top-down systematic approach. This emotional dimension, he suggests, is where the "woke" narrative finds its strongest traction.

Practical Strategies and Advice

• Prioritize K-12 Education: Dr. Kaufman emphasizes the crucial role of K-12 education in shaping young minds. He argues that the current educational system, heavily influenced by "woke" ideologies, has a significant impact on students' beliefs. He believes that conservative politicians must prioritize K-12 education by addressing the curriculum, promoting political neutrality, and demanding accountability from educational institutions.
• Invest in Model Curricula: Dr. Kaufman highlights the availability of model curricula developed by conservative think tanks and organizations. He encourages conservative governments to adopt these models, engage in a vigorous battle with the established educational establishment, and actively promote a balanced curriculum.
• Embrace a Neutrality Ethos: Dr. Kaufman argues that the path forward is not about replacing "woke" ideology with a conservative one but rather establishing political neutrality and balance. He believes that this approach is more winnable than pushing for a specific alternative ethos, as it appeals to a broader consensus among the population.
• Combat "Woke" Influence in Government: Dr. Kaufman urges conservative politicians to actively remove Critical Race Theory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles from government agencies and institutions. He suggests that this can be achieved through political appointments, firing personnel, and establishing new institutions to enforce neutrality and balance.
• Unmask the "Woke" Mob: Dr. Kaufman warns of the dangers of "woke" activists and their use of social media to silence dissenting voices. He encourages conservatives to become more vocal and less intimidated by these tactics, arguing that the public is often receptive to a balanced and truthful perspective on controversial issues.

Supporting Evidence

Dr. Kaufman draws upon a wealth of data from surveys conducted in the US, Britain, and Canada, including the Fire Foundation's Individual Rights and Expression survey and the Higher Education Research Institute's annual survey of freshmen. He also cites research on the impact of diversity, such as Robert Putnam's work demonstrating the negative consequences of excessive diversity, as well as studies on the influence of critical race theory concepts on students' beliefs.

Personal Application

Dr. Kaufman describes his own journey from a successful academic career to becoming a vocal critic of the social justice movement. He recounts the backlash he faced, including open letters, internal investigations, and attacks on social media. This personal experience lends credibility to his arguments and underscores the real-world consequences of speaking out against "woke" ideology.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

Dr. Kaufman emphasizes the importance of developing alternative institutions and organizations that promote a balanced and neutral perspective. He mentions the National Association of Scholars' model civics curriculum, the Manhattan Institute, and the British organization History Reclaimed as examples. He also recommends the use of social media platforms like Twitter to disseminate information and engage in dialogue on these crucial issues. Dr. Kaufman's analysis provides a powerful framework for understanding the dynamics of the culture wars. His recommendations offer a path forward for conservatives seeking to reclaim the moral and intellectual high ground. By prioritizing K-12 education, promoting a neutrality ethos, and challenging the "woke" orthodoxy, we can start to heal the divisions that threaten our social fabric and restore a healthy public discourse.