ABE WON’T BE SILENT - Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, has been rather vocal in his criticism of the concept of “wokeness” in recent years. While his views have resonated with some, it’s likely to be his downfall as he eyes a potential bid for the US presidency. The term ‘woke’ has become a popular phrase in recent years and is used to describe someone that is aware of the injustices in society and actively works to fight them. However, DeSantis has used the word in a derogatory manner, insinuating that those who espouse it are merely virtue-signaling and not doing anything to help those in need. This has caused him to come across as out of touch and intolerant.
For example, DeSantis has called out universities for having “too much wokeness” and has described the Black Lives Matter movement as “a political agenda that is antithetical to law enforcement.” He has also represented the 1619 project as “woke propaganda” and even went so far as to suggest that people who embrace the concept of ‘wokeness’ are unpatriotic.
Such comments will likely be a significant hurdle for DeSantis should he launch a bid for the US presidency. In an increasingly diverse and progressive country, DeSantis’s views on the concept of ‘wokeness’ are unlikely to endear him to the electorate. While it is true that some of his supporters may agree with his views on the matter, many of them will likely be put off by his tone and his refusal to accept the validity of the concept of ‘wokeness.’
Ultimately, Ron DeSantis’s obsession with the word ‘woke’ will likely make his bid for the US presidency fail. His rhetoric on the subject is likely to alienate many potential voters who believe in the importance of fighting injustice and are looking for a president who embodies those values.
Peace…
(ABE GURKO is the executive producer of a documentary “Won’t Be Silent,” about the extraordinary Women of Protest Music. He's an Opinionator who hosts a podcast, "Conversations From the Edge of Democracy," that discusses the current state of our fragile political landscape. Abe is a contributor to CityWatchLA.com. [email protected]. Abe’s opinions are his own and not necessarily those of CityWatchLA.com)
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