Che cos'è la woke right? - Uno sguardo da Vicino

The speaker welcomes viewers to a new episode of 'Uno sguardo da vicino' (A Close Look) and wishes everyone a Happy New Year, introducing the topic of today's discussion which revolves around the recently popularized term 'Wright.' The term is increasingly appearing in public debates, particularly on social media, and the speaker intends to delve into its origins and implications within both American and Italian contexts.

The speaker explains that the term 'Wright' has gained significant traction recently, particularly in the past two years, and it refers to a woke trend within a part of the right-wing, particularly the dissident right in the United States. This term arose primarily through the influence of James Lindsay, a mathematician known for his controversial publications in gender studies.

The speaker discusses James Lindsay's notable prank where he submitted nonsensical articles to esteemed academic journals in the field of gender studies, successfully demonstrating that much of the current academic content lacks objective truth and is instead heavily influenced by political perspectives.

The discussion shifts toward the phenomenon described as 'grievance studies,' where academic work, often published and celebrated, tends to highlight issues related to patriarchy or white supremacy, with the intention of criticizing the status quo. The speaker notes that two of the three authors involved in this prank were left-leaning individuals aiming to raise awareness about academic agendas.

The speaker recounts specific outlandish studies that gained acceptance in notable journals, such as a study linking dog humping behaviors to rape culture. Such absurdities illustrate the potential folly within certain academic discourses and the ease with which dubious claims can gain credibility under certain ideological frameworks.

The emphasis on 'Wright' highlights a segment of the Trumpian right that embraces victimhood and narratively positions itself as marginalized by powerful forces in society. This is contrasted with the woke left, which is seen as imposing its values onto the majority.

The speaker critiques the notion of right-wing victimhood, suggesting that rather than actively defending their positions, they often react passively to perceived oppression, mirroring tactics typically associated with leftist identities.

The debate highlights a significant overlap in victim narratives between the right and the left, with both sides accusing each other of manipulation by minority groups, raising the question of who truly represents the 'ordinary' people in these discussions.

The conversation draws parallels with the Italian political landscape, particularly referencing General Vannacci, who has ridden the wave of right-wing populism by portraying himself as a voice for the 'normal' Italian against minority hegemony, while relying on a statistical view of normality that may perpetuate marginalization rather than challenge it.

The speaker suggests that a focus on victimhood can hinder effective action and policy making within the right-wing, emphasizing a need for proactive rather than reactive stances, and criticizes the lack of substantive results from this narrative of being oppressed by minority groups.