# How is anti-wokeism different from sexism and/or racism? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 11, 2023, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604 "2023-02-11T01:12:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/364 "2023-02-21T21:06:41Z")
> [@up2eleven](#): > > If I react and start yelling at them, they win. They hold the power. They controlled my emotions. If I laugh that shit off, they don’t know what to do with that. If I come up with better insults for myself than they can think of, now they just look even stupider. Why yell at them? Do you have any method of engaging them other than yelling at them? And if you say that you do, that you are not yelling, are you sure that someone from a third perspective may not think that you are? If any time that someone expresses a concern, they are accused of yelling, isn’t that just telling them to shut up? ---
**Author:** ![YWTF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/d07c76/32.png) [@YWTF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YWTF)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/365 "2023-02-21T21:07:36Z")
I linked to it earlier. > ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/366 "2023-02-21T21:07:58Z")
I don’t see how you’re disempowering them by ignoring them. How can they tell the difference between your ignoring them because you intend to disempower them, and your ignoring them because you agree with them? Nobody, of course, can respond to every bigoted asshole on the internet. But, when you choose not to deal with them, why do it by joining the same space that they’re ranting in while making no objection to the ranting? If you’re responding in some fashion that doesn’t qualify to you as raging or acting butthurt, that’s different – and I’d include just blocking them, especially if it can be done so that they know you’re doing it; just as I’d include pointedly ignoring them in the checkout line, where your body language can make clear that it’s a cut and not a cower. There are certainly people to whom “you hurt my feelings!” is incentive rather than discouragement. But if “you’re an asshole and you’re not worth my time” isn’t being said in any form – they’re not hearing that from your silence. They’re hearing either “hah! I cowed that person” or “that person must agree with me”. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/367 "2023-02-21T21:10:33Z")
Do you have any examples of what the problem is that don’t involve trans rights? Or is that your only beef with “woke” progressives? ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/368 "2023-02-21T21:14:02Z")
This is then where the many times referred “case by case” item comes in, the point for me is that unfortunately many Republicans in power have decided that following the “advice” of many bigots out there is the way. The Republicans in power have decided that their absolute statements are the rule now. And the biggest issue now. It does not equate really to the complaint you are making. ---
**Author:** ![up2eleven](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/up2eleven/32/13432_2.png) [@up2eleven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up2eleven)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/369 "2023-02-21T21:17:34Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > But if “you’re an asshole and you’re not worth my time” isn’t being said in any form – they’re not hearing that from your silence. They’re hearing either “hah! I cowed that person” or “that person must agree with me”. Sometimes, letting someone think they’ve “won” and walking away is the best option because engaging will not result in anything worthwhile. If they think they’ve won, or that I agree, it’s of no consequence to my life. It’s just some rando on a keyboard who is probably miserable if trying to upset people is how they get their kicks. Not bothered. They’ll go and find another willing target in short order. ---
**Author:** ![YWTF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/d07c76/32.png) [@YWTF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YWTF)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/370 "2023-02-21T21:18:03Z")
I’ve mentioned racism plenty of times. Even linked to an Newsweek article showing how white progressives are alienating more pragmatic black people. In the spin-off thread, I linked to a video that lampooned how “wokeness” and racism mirror each other. I’ve also mentioned misogyny. Multiple times. So why are you bringing up something I haven’t even mentioned? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/371 "2023-02-21T21:19:20Z")
> [@YWTF](#): > > So why are you bringing up something I haven’t even mentioned? Citing a trans activist critiquing the world’s most famous transphobe is “not mentioning” something? This is next-level silly. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/372 "2023-02-21T21:19:41Z")
> [@YWTF](#): > > I’ve mentioned racism plenty of times. Even linked to an Newsweek article showing how white progressives are alienating more pragmatic black people. In the spin-off thread, I linked to a video that lampooned how “wokeness” and racism mirror each other. > > I’ve also mentioned misogyny. Multiple times. > > So why are you bringing up something I haven’t even mentioned? ⁢ And misgendering them as well. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/373 "2023-02-21T21:20:05Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > > [@YWTF](#): > > > > So why are you bringing up something I haven’t even mentioned? ⁢ > > Citing a trans activist critiquing the world’s most famous transphobe is “not mentioning” something? This is next-level silly. ⁢ And misgendering them as well. ---
**Author:** ![YWTF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/d07c76/32.png) [@YWTF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YWTF)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/374 "2023-02-21T21:20:38Z")
It does relate to the point I’m making. Kneejerk dismissal of anything that violates preferred conclusions about the state of reality is rampant in this discourse. It just as problematic when progressives do it, if not more so. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/375 "2023-02-21T21:21:41Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > And misgendering them as well. Oof–I missed that. > [@YWTF](#): > > For instance, Chase Strangio bringing race and sex into it when she insulted JKR. > **[Chase Strangio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Strangio)** > > Chase Strangio (/strænˈdʒiːoʊ/ born October 29, 1982) is an American lawyer and transgender rights activist. He is the Deputy Director for Transgender Justice and staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). > Strangio grew up near Boston, Massachusetts. > Strangio attended Grinnell College, graduating in 2004. After graduation, he worked as a paralegal at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD). He went on to attend Northeastern University School of Law. Strangio came out as a ... ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/376 "2023-02-21T21:22:03Z")
> [@up2eleven](#): > > If they think they’ve won, or that I agree, it’s of no consequence to my life Do you really think that the result will be “I won! Time to move on” and not “I can go this far with no repercussion-lets up the ante”? ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/377 "2023-02-21T21:24:43Z")
---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2023, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/378 "2023-02-21T21:26:52Z")
Moderating: I’m closing this thread pending a discussion in the mod loop to determine if it should be permanently closed. I don’t have time to sort it out now. There are flags and flags and flags being thrown. It’s become a problem thread. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/379 "2023-02-22T19:35:39Z")
Moderating: > [@YWTF](#): > > But the more enlightening question is does “wokeness” encourage ego-driven behaviors that actually facilitate sexism and racism? I think it does. For instance, Chase Strangio bringing race and sex into it when she insulted JKR. When progressives defend this tweet instead of calling it out for the same goddamn “dog whistles” they hear whenever a conservative does it, it cements the impression that “wokeness” really only benefits bullies who have racial and misogynistic hang ups. While there is some sympathy for the fact that you were being baited in the thread, this is not a basis to expend effort in trying to get around prior mod instructions or a topic ban in order to respond. Doing so rises to the level of trolling. For engaging in that, as well as disregarding a moderator’s instructions, you are being given a formal warning. Prior warning: > [@Pronouns and idiot fascists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronouns-and-idiot-fascists/970369/153): > > [Moderating] I’d forgotten about that topic ban. Thanks for the reminder. @YWTF, you have been instructed not to participate on topics about transgenderism on this board. That ruling is still in effect. If you continue to post in this thread, you will receive a warning, and your posting privileges will be in danger of being revoked permanently. [/Moderating] **Any further misgendering by you will result in a permanent suspension of your posting privileges**. This is your last reprieve. Your topic ban re transgender issues is a board-wide ban. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2023, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/380 "2023-02-22T19:38:22Z")
Moderating: After discussion in the mod loop, we’ve decided it’s best to leave this thread closed. While some useful discussion took place, exchanges throughout consist of scoring off others and talking past one another. Civility is mostly absent. @What_Exit has given a lot of his time to trying to keep the thread on track, to no avail. It’s done. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604.md?page=18)