The Great Awokening

David Edward Burke’s most recent post at Washington Monthly is essentially a review of John McWhorter’s most recent book in which Dr. McWhorter explains how “wokeness” is in fact a religion:

It is not “like” a religion, he explains; rather, it is what any anthropologist would recognize as one, with its own superstitions, rituals, clergy, and judgment day. The 56-year-old Philadelphia native also makes a compelling case that, despite its worshippers’ best intentions, the religion offers “an oversimplified sense of what racism is and what one does about it.” He goes on to say that the adherents, whom he calls “the Elect,” are “content to harm black people in the name of what we can only term dogma.”

He also passes along Dr. McWhorter’s prescription. In essence it is do what the “woke” should be doing but aren’t—advocate for reforms that improve the lives of black people:

As an alternative to the navel-gazing, McWhorter proposes actionable policy proposals that would help Black people more directly and measurably, such as ending the war on drugs. He also offers practical advice to readers who aren’t sure how to engage meaningfully with family, friends, and coworkers who are part of the Elect without facing the threat of being called a racist for any perceived transgression.

McWhorter says he does not believe that it is beneficial or progressive to nod in consent at every claim of racism made by a person of color. “If the designation of someone or something as racist seems incoherent, chances are it is just that, not ‘complex.’”

Much as I agree with those, I don’t think that either Mr. Burke or Dr. McWhorter actually apprehend what’s going on. The “Elect” are only interested in power. Those who are not among their number have no role other than to obey. They are antithetical to everything that has made the United States worthwhile. That they prosper in their vileness is an indictment of our political leadership.