Why Conservatives Consider Forced Diversity in Media as 'Woke'

Conservatives often face criticism for their stance on representation in media. However, it's important to understand the nuances behind the term 'woke' and the arguments against forced diversity. Let's delve into why conservatives see disproportionately pushed minority representation as 'woke', and why this matters in the context of media and society.

What Woke Really Means

Conservatives do not use the term 'woke'. It's a label applied to the left, suggesting that the right are 'asleep' or 'clueless'. The term 'woke' has its roots in social and philosophical activism, but it has been co-opted and used inaccurately. When right-leaning individuals use the term, they often ask for clarification, as 'woke' can mean different things to different people. For conservatives, 'woke' is not merely about being aware of social issues. It's about the methods and intentions behind these awareness efforts.

Why Considers Forced Diversity as 'Woke'

The term 'woke', when used by conservatives, often refers to the artificial or forced nature of diversity efforts. They see this as a deliberate and sometimes intrusive way of promoting inclusion, which they argue can often feel inauthentic to audiences.

Case Studies

Let's look at a couple of examples to illustrate this point.

Example 1: A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

The 2018 adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time faced criticism for its use of an adopted character to add minority representation. This, conservatives argue, is an example of forced diversity. The story originally features a white family, and the decision to make the protagonist adopted was seen as an attempt to add minority representation. It was seen as a forced change, manipulating the narrative to fit a certain diversity quota instead of being a natural fit for the story.

Example 2: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Another example is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Rey's character arc is often criticized for being more "woke" in the conservative sense. Rey, the female protagonist, quickly acquires Jedi skills and excels at light saber fights, which contrasts with Luke Skywalker's character, who had a more gradual and challenging path to mastery. Conservatives argue that this portrayal is an attempt to empower women without showing their vulnerability. This is seen as a form of tokenism, where authenticity is compromised for the sake of representation.

Example 3: Ghostbusters: Afterlife

A more balanced and unchallenged example is Ghostbusters: Afterlife. While the film included a diverse cast, there was no critique. This is because the cast diversity in Ghostbusters: Afterlife was portrayed naturally and seamlessly, fitting within the narrative and characters. The cast was chosen to fit the story, rather than being forced into roles to meet diversity quotas.

Conclusion

Conservatives view the term 'woke' critically when applied to diversity efforts, especially when they feel that these efforts are forced and not authentic. This stance is rooted in a desire for stories to be true to their essence, rather than being manipulated for the sake of inclusion without affecting the quality of the story. It's a call for integrity in storytelling, ensuring that both minority and non-minority characters are represented authentically and deservedly.

Understanding these perspectives is crucial for creating media that resonates with broader audiences and avoids alienating segments that feel represented unfairly. It's about finding a balance where everyone feels seen and heard, but not at the expense of authenticity and quality.