By Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit
Academia must prioritize disseminating accurate and nuanced information, countering the spread of misinformation prevalent in woke culture.
The entire visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States is a spectacular success despite attempt by the wokes to puncture it. The Wall Street Journal reporter asking question to PM Modi never questioned the genocide of minorities in Pakistan but is worried about India. Their false cry and misinformation being spread by the woke media and a former President is in bad taste, ill-timed and very irresponsible. When the US system arrests a former President it is democracy, but when the Indian judiciary legally disqualifies a sitting MP it is interpreted as democracy and secularism is in danger. What double standards in the application of principles of democracy and secularism. This goes with the dictum that for the wokes the application of principles is based on their ideology are for someone and some purpose and the personal is political. To add to it they have invented the so called civil society NGOs that set their agenda, like Open Society.
In India, a country renowned for its diverse landscape and rich tradition of open dialogue, the ascent of woke culture poses a deep concern, casting a shadow over the once-vibrant spaces of debate and discussion. Masked under the banner of promoting social justice and inclusivity, this trend fosters an atmosphere of hostility and exclusion towards differing viewpoints, ironic as it may seem. As woke culture reshapes the discourse in India, it compels us to reflect upon the future of intellectual freedom and the preservation of diverse thought.
But what exactly is this pervasive phenomenon known as “woke culture” or “wokeism” that has permeated intellectual spheres locally and globally? The term “wokes” refers to individuals hyper-aware of social justice issues, advocating for change predominantly through online activism. However, it is essential to note that wokes do not necessarily represent the majority opinion or the sentiments of the masses. Instead, they often represent a more minor, vocal faction with a particular agenda. Their amplified voices, aligned with like-minded individuals and groups, create an illusion that their views, values, and moral compass hold absolute truth.
Within the realm of woke culture, characterized by its creators and followers known as “wokes,” an exceptional emphasis is placed on morality and righteousness. This heightened focus on morality brings to mind the insights of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who discussed the concept of herd mentality and its influence on moral judgments. Nietzsche astutely observed that the morality associated with herd mentality asserts, “I am morality itself, and nothing else is morality!” This observation resonates when considering the wokes’ tendency to invoke their own version of morality, vehemently asserting that their moral framework is the sole embodiment of what is right, dismissing alternative perspectives.
Wokeism is marked by an unconditional and one-size-fits-all approach to thinking, often leading to selective uproar and oversimplification of complex ideas or situations. This mindset disregards the need for context and thorough examination, which can spread misinformation and contribute to societal polarization. Instead of genuinely addressing the intricacies of a specific issue, the emphasis often lies on “virtue signaling” or projecting an image of moral righteousness. This focus on appearances rather than the problem at hand hinders meaningful progress and constructive dialogue. In such a situation, it becomes essential to move beyond superficial gestures and prioritize nuanced understanding and thoughtful analysis to foster a more informed and inclusive society.
In addition, woke culture significantly emphasizes group identities, elevating social identity above individual experiences and beliefs. This prioritization of group identities perpetuates the growth of tribalism and intolerance. A divisive mindset takes hold by categorizing individuals solely based on their social identity, eclipsing the acknowledgment of diverse personal experiences and viewpoints. This narrowing of focus creates an environment where intolerance towards differing perspectives becomes increasingly pervasive. As a result, the potential for meaningful dialogue and understanding diminishes, hindering the progress toward a more inclusive and harmonious society.
A significant consequence of the rising woke culture is the stifling of free speech and receding space for intellectual space. Despite the claims of equality and diversity, wokeism shuns the opposing viewpoints as unacceptable or offensive. This is frequently done through a “cancelling” approach to opposing views and ideas. Individuals or their opinions that are not in line with the woke culture are deemed problematic and individuals find themselves ostracized or silenced, leading to a lack of open dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Applying wokeism to the Indian context, for instance, using the Critical Race Theory in discussions on casteism, illustrates a poor understanding of Indian society. These concepts have been constructed within a colonial framework and weaponized to serve hegemonic narratives, often leading to more problems than solutions. The widespread application of wokeism in these complex contexts highlights the dangers of unconditional and contextually detached thinking. It exposes how individuals with bitter sentiments exploit resentment to perpetuate a harmful narrative. It is crucial to recognize that these developments undermine both individual and societal values in an endless pursuit of radical liberal ideas.
The many notions that woke culture promotes indeed have merit in the sense that individuals, groups, and society have genuine grievances. Such concerns and grievances should never be negated or mellowed. However, the approach promoted by woke culture is counterproductive. Long-standing problems such as casteism and gender inequality require thoughtful and comprehensive solutions rather than quick-fix solutions. The misinformed smear campaigns against those who do not conform with woke culture’s thinking would neither solve any problems nor would it serve as a substitute for genuine discussions on critical issues, such as gender inequality. Relying on selective content and incomplete information only exacerbates grievances and widens existing societal divides.
Ages before the concepts of free speech and public debate emerged in the West, India had a rich tradition of dialogue and discussion with institutions such as sabhas and samitis that provided platforms for debates and discussions encompassing not only political matters but also societal issues and individual differences. India’s reputation for diversity has garnered global recognition and admiration. However, the alarming rise of mob mentality observed on platforms like Twitter and other social media platforms demonstrates how this very diversity can become a vulnerability, leading to profound harm inflicted upon society and its institutions. Repairing these divisions often requires extensive time, spanning decades or even centuries. However, creating or exacerbating differences can occur swiftly, as exemplified by the current political climate to which woke culture invariably contributes.
The encroachment of woke culture into academia and media has raised concerns over India’s diminishing space for diverse viewpoints and intellectual exchange. Operating under the guise of championing the marginalized and oppressed, woke culture promotes a predominantly left-leaning narrative that leaves little room for alternative perspectives. Universities, which should ideally foster robust ideological debates, often become battlegrounds for intense ideological contestation, with the left maintaining a significant presence. Through buzzwords like “cultural appropriation”, “microaggression”, and the demand for “safe spaces”, woke culture seeks to validate its moral high ground. However, in practice, it marginalizes dissenting voices and stifles meaningful engagement. While the specific subjects and themes may vary over time, the overarching outcome remains unchanged. This reality is apparent in the daily trending hashtags on platforms like Twitter, where rampant bullying and harassment undermine the very social and intellectual space the platform was intended to provide.
Within academia and media, the prevalence of woke culture has given rise to echo chambers, where individuals primarily seek out and interact with viewpoints that align with their beliefs. This phenomenon has oversimplified complex issues and a noticeable absence of meaningful engagement with opposing perspectives. Academic freedom is a cornerstone of higher education, allowing scholars to pursue knowledge and ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation. The rise of wokeness (and cancel culture) undermines this freedom. Cancel culture fosters an environment of ideological conformity, something George Orwell pointed out in his novel, 1984, where specific viewpoints or perspectives are labelled unacceptable and subsequently silenced.
The rise of woke culture has necessitated universities to assume a crucial role in restoring balance to public debate. As purveyors of knowledge and intellectual rigor, universities hold the responsibility to counteract the excesses of woke culture by upholding the principles of open dialogue, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. Universities must actively engage in rigorous research, analysis, and scholarly inquiry, counterbalancing the dogmatic tendencies of woke culture. By promoting diverse perspectives and fostering an environment of respectful discourse, universities can encourage the exploration of multiple viewpoints and challenge the one-sided narratives often perpetuated by woke culture.
Furthermore, academia must prioritize disseminating accurate and nuanced information, countering the spread of misinformation prevalent in woke culture. This should also follow providing the other side space to talk about their viewpoints and ideas. By encouraging evidence-based reasoning and critical analysis, universities should be the eponymous lighthouse in the storm of cancel culture and woke ideology to equip individuals with the tools to critically evaluate ideas, navigate complex issues, and discern fact from fiction. They are also responsible for cultivating intellectual humility, emphasizing that knowledge is an ongoing process and that one’s beliefs should remain open to scrutiny and revision. This approach counters the inherent rigidity and self-assuredness often associated with woke culture, encouraging individuals to self-reflect and consider alternative perspectives.
In an era characterized by the unchecked growth of the culture of wokeness and the pervasive climate of political correctness, public space, particularly the intellectual sphere, has become heavily polluted. The prevailing narrative has devolved into a binary framework where opposing viewpoints are voiceless. In this critical juncture, universities and media must rise as beacons of light amidst polarization, misinformation and misguided opinions. They must reclaim their role as centres of critical debate, open dialogue, and substantive discussions on contentious issues sorely absent from the broader public discourse.
Originally Published : The SundayGuardian, 2nd, July 2023
Posted in SIS Blog with the authorization of the author.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi