Societal Shifts in the West: Identity, Freedom, and Public Discourse

 

There is a growing perception that Western societies are becoming increasingly absurd in their approaches to social issues. Many individuals now insist on expressing their identities in whatever way they choose, with some arguing that gender is not necessarily specific or binary. This phenomenon is one that primarily emerges in privileged, first-world environments.

Expressions that may once have been considered absurd are now framed as freedoms or rights. In the pursuit of political correctness, some people seek popularity or attempt to advance their own agendas by aligning themselves with these ideologies. As a result, these perspectives are being pushed onto the broader public down their throats.

The situation has escalated too far. What began as efforts to highlight and address injustice has, shifted towards overcompensating for the "disadvantaged" rather than focusing on victims. This has now progressed to the point where, irrational demands are being met and the movement has become extreme. Logic has been disregarded, scientific understanding is being altered to fit particular narratives, and common sense is no longer prevailing. Such developments are narcissism at its peak.

However, a significant portion of people in the West and some parts of the world, are beginning to push back against these trends. Much of the rest of the world remains largely unaffected by what is often referred to as the "woke" movement. 

Be aware that pushing any issue to extremes can provoke strong resistance once others' tolerance is exhausted. This jeopardises all progress made toward improving the lives and addressing the legitimate concerns of disadvantaged and victimised groups. It also risks prompting opposing groups to respond with equal hostility, worsening the situation and causing those who truly suffer to become collateral damage.

Truly hoped that this period will be transient, similar to a financial crisis or a pandemic, and that society will eventually return to a sense of normalcy. Otherwise, prominent figures from history such as Albert Einstein, Carl Friedrich Gauss, and their contemporaries, as well as our ancestors, would be rolling over their graves!