Progressives ignored the warning signs, and Trump’s win is their wake-up call
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The re-election of Donald Trump has sent shockwaves around the world, but it shouldn’t have. Beyond the excitement of electing the first ‘black’ female president, economic issues, and Trump’s unpredictable behaviour, the true significance lay elsewhere. This election was, at its core, a referendum on the progressive agenda of the 21st century as shaped and executed by the Obama-Biden-Harris Democrats.
A key issue for many traditional Democratic voters, including a growing number of black men, Hispanics, and Muslim voters, is Vice President Kamala Harris’s alignment with Woke-feminist progressivism. While this commitment was often downplayed, it remained a significant factor that alienated core segments of the Democratic base. Trump’s victory represents many things, but most notably, it is a sweeping rejection of Woke ideology and its radical methods and goals.
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To understand why Woke-ism has become so unpopular, it’s important to trace its roots. The term “woke” began as an adjective in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), meaning “alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” This sounds benign and in line with the long-standing liberal goal of raising awareness to combat racial bias. However, what began as a well-intentioned awareness campaign has morphed into a divisive and rigid ideology.
For modern Woke progressives and their influential allies, American society is seen not as a fundamentally good institution striving for improvement but as inherently oppressive and riddled with ‘hate’ and systemic repression. In their view, social disparities, economic inequality, or insufficient representation are indisputable evidence of a structurally unjust system that subjugates ‘marginalized’ groups. This narrative divides society into victims and oppressors, a framework that many traditional voters find alienating and unjust.
This radical shift is evident in the practical application of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Originally marketed as extensions of traditional liberal values promoting fair treatment and participation, DEI, in practice, often demonizes America and its so-called ‘white’ identity. Under this new interpretation, diversity is reframed to mean “anything but white,” equity is used to justify inequality, and inclusion becomes a tool for exclusion based on race or identity.
The consequences of this shift are profound and visible. Consider, for instance, the curious alliances that have emerged in progressive activism. Why would climate activists like Greta Thunberg join forces with campus movements to chant slogans supporting the destruction of Israel? The answer lies in the Woke worldview: Israel is labelled an ‘oppressor,’ while the Palestinians, regardless of their actions, are deemed ‘oppressed.’ This logic prioritizes an anti-establishment stance over traditional liberal values, uniting seemingly unrelated causes under the banner of combating ‘oppression.’
This is not just an isolated phenomenon. The spread of Woke ideology, which once festered in university backrooms and gender studies departments, has seeped into mainstream institutions. Critical Theory and its offshoots now dominate academia, public school administrations, professional governing bodies, entertainment, and, most dangerously, the mainstream media. This widespread adoption has alienated many voters who feel their core values are under siege.
The American liberal tradition, particularly cherished by immigrant communities who have firsthand experience with real oppression, does not align with this Woke doctrine. These groups recognize genuine tyranny and find the progressive portrayal of America as a repressive state exaggerated and disconnected from reality. This dissonance has driven many traditional Democrats to reconsider their political allegiances.
Despite his flaws and controversial behaviour, Trump resonated with Americans who felt neglected by the Biden administration’s policies. Under Biden, rising costs of housing, food, and energy have pushed many to the brink and, in their view, stolen their future. For these voters, Trump’s message tapped into a sense of disillusionment with a progressive agenda that appeared more focused on ideological battles than tangible improvements in their daily lives.
The shock of Trump’s resurgence is a wake-up call for progressives, and it carries implications beyond the United States. The Trudeau government would do well to heed this lesson as they choose their new leader, or they too may face a similar reckoning at the polls.
In essence, Trump’s victory was not just a political event; it was a powerful statement against Woke-ism and the radical changes it has brought. If progressives fail to listen, they risk further alienation and potential political collapse.
Robert McGarvey is an economic historian and former managing director of Merlin Consulting, a London, U.K.-based consulting firm. Robert’s most recent book is Futuromics: A Guide to Thriving in Capitalism’s Third Wave.
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