# How is anti-wokeism different from sexism and/or racism?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604>\
**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:** 1\
**Showing post:** 206

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\
**Post date:** [February 18, 2023, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604/206 "2023-02-18T23:44:49Z")

</div>

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> The second camp is generally on the same side of the issues as the “woke” people, but strongly disagree with many of the tactics and narratives being employed as they are often selectively bigoted as well, with different targets.

…are you sure they are on the same side?

For example:

> [@Should people avoid consuming art they enjoy from an artist who they dislike or disagree with on a personal level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-avoid-consuming-art-they-enjoy-from-an-artist-who-they-dislike-or-disagree-with-on-a-personal-level/979721/253):
>
> I tend to choose my battles. If someone is spewing ignorance, I think it sucks, but I don’t get worked up about it. I focus my ire on those who have the power to make policy and take away rights. JK Rowling is not one of those.

Do you believe that these are the words of someone believes and understands and is listening to what the trans community is going through now and that stands in solidarity with them? Do you not think that JK Rowling is using her power, her money, her influence to help take away rights from transgender people?

Because she is. She is undeniably the most prominent anti-trans voices in the UK. She is doing more than just “spewing ignorance.” She is an active part of the fight to make trans people second-class citizens.

And if you don’t believe that, or if you think I’m exaggerating, and if you don’t understand how dangerous her voice is in this conversation, then no, you aren’t on the same side.

And if that makes me woke in your eyes, then damn right I’m woke.

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> Plus, there’s a lot of absolutist thinking and zero tolerance for any criticism or disagreement, no matter how valid.

If its valid then I’ll listen and change my mind. Why wouldn’t I?

So what sort of things do you think aren’t valid in your eyes? Rather than these generalities, can you get a bit more specific?

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> The snark, vitriol, constant rage, and overreacting to often innocuous things.

What innocuous things?

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> A fair argument can be made that many who claim to be “woke” do partake heavily in bigotry against those they perceive as privileged (white, cis, male, old, etc) and it kind of flies in the face of the progressive stance that bigotry of any kind should be avoided.

Lucky you! We are in Great Debates. If you think a fair argument can be made, then here’s your chance! You can make it.

Lets start with providing some examples of people who are claiming to be woke that are partaking heavily in bigotry.

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> and it kind of flies in the face of the progressive stance that bigotry of any kind should be avoided.

I think you need to begin by defining exactly what you mean by “bigotry” first.

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> Narratives such as “punching up vs punching down” send the message that punching is fine, as long as it’s done to the “right” people.

So your position is that “punching” is unacceptable in any circumstances? Can you clarify this?

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> So, a lot of hypocrisy and disingenuousness has become a part of the whole “woke” movement.

Where?

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> There are a ton of people who simply want to see everyone live a life of dignity and respect, have their basic needs taken care of, and not be marginalized or discriminated against.

And there are a ton of people who don’t actually want people to live a life of dignity and respect. There are people who don’t want basic needs taken care of. They want to hate the marginalized.

These people exist. And these people have power, politically, financially, in the education system, in the police, at the lowest and the highest levels of government. And they are taking away peoples rights. The right to an abortion. The right to be loud and proud and queer. The right to gender-affirming care.

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> This is where I identify.

And that’s just fine. If you don’t want to be part of the fight, then that’s a perfectly valid position to have. Just don’t stand in the way of those who probably don’t have a choice.

> [@up2eleven](#):
>
> I don’t feel that arguing all the time is fighting the good fight, nor is it at all effective in resolving the problems they claim to address. If anything, it just exacerbates them.

Some solid prominent examples of people “arguing all the time” exacerbating things would help your case.

---

_[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-anti-wokeism-different-from-sexism-and-or-racism/979604)._