What is woke culture?
Sources:
Lex Fridman has some nuanced discussions about "woke culture" and related ideologies in his podcasts.
In a conversation with Joe Rogan, Lex references the cultural impact of "wokeism" on corporate structures, particularly in Silicon Valley. He mentions that too much politeness and adherence to woke principles can lead to stagnation within companies. They discuss how some tech employees express extreme views about capitalism and other ideologies, and the potential disconnection between their personal beliefs and the significant power they wield over public discourse 1.
In another discussion with Mark Cuban, Lex describes "woke ideology" as a term with both negative and positive connotations. He talks about the positive progress made under this ideology in correcting historical wrongs but also notes the challenges and criticisms, especially in academia. They discuss the complexities of implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and how strong internal defenses can sometimes hinder necessary organizational changes 2.
These discussions highlight the dual aspects of "woke culture": its role in promoting social justice and equity, and its potential to create rigid and sometimes counterproductive environments.