Ep. 1024 - The Religion Of Wokeness

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: Ben Shapiro frames the George Floyd protests, COVID-related public debate, and backlash over Drew Brees as evidence that “wokeness” has become a quasi-religion demanding public catechism, repentance, and ritualized conformity. He argues prosecutors should charge Derek Chauvin carefully to avoid acquittal, criticizes media and activist overreach, and highlights escalating cultural and political polarization.

Main Topics: Wokeness as a Religion (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues contemporary progressive activism functions like a religion, with catechisms, priests, heretics, atonement rituals, and changing doctrines centered on racism as the core explanatory force. George Floyd Case and Charging Strategy (Priority: 5/5): He discusses Keith Ellison’s upgraded charges against Derek Chauvin, warning that overcharging could lead to acquittal and ultimately undermine justice for Floyd. Media and Protest Narrative (Priority: 4/5): The show contends that coverage of the protests has shifted from police brutality to a broader claim that America is fundamentally racist, with rioting and looting being excused or folded into the protest. COVID-19 and Protest Exemptions (Priority: 4/5): Shapiro criticizes claims that any COVID surge linked to protests should be blamed on racism rather than the obvious risk of mass gatherings. Drew Brees, the Flag, and Public Atonement (Priority: 4/5): He uses the Drew Brees controversy to illustrate how public figures are pressured into apologies and ideological conformity for expressing patriotic views. Institutional and Elite Pressure on Speech (Priority: 3/5): The New York Times Tom Cotton op-ed backlash and related staff reactions are presented as evidence that dissenting views are being punished within elite institutions. Trump, Military Leadership, and Political Fallout (Priority: 3/5): Shapiro notes criticism from Mattis, Esper, and Milley, arguing these conflicts hurt Trump politically amid weak polling and broader unrest.

Key Arguments: Wokeness now operates like a religion, requiring believers to repeat slogans, perform public atonement, and identify heretics. There is broad agreement that racism, police brutality, and rioting are bad, but activists and media push a wider claim that America is inherently evil. Keith Ellison may be overcharging Derek Chauvin by moving from third-degree to second-degree murder, which could make conviction harder. Aiding-and-abetting charges against the other officers are legally less straightforward because mere presence or inaction may not be enough under Minnesota law. The George Floyd case needs careful legal framing; otherwise an acquittal could be blamed on racism and deepen unrest. Claims that protest-related COVID spikes should be blamed on racism ignore the obvious epidemiological effect of thousands gathering closely together. Drew Brees’ comment about the flag was uncontroversial in Shapiro’s view, but the backlash shows how patriotic speech is now treated as suspect. The New York Times staff revolt over Tom Cotton’s op-ed demonstrates ideological enforcement inside elite media institutions. The left lacks consensus on concrete policy solutions, so discourse defaults to symbolic moral performance and sweeping claims about structural racism. Trump’s confrontations with Mattis, Esper, and Milley are politically damaging because they reinforce a narrative of division and disorder.

Data Points: Unemployment: 40 million - Used to illustrate economic uncertainty during COVID and unrest. Federal spending in three months: $7 trillion - Cited as evidence of massive government intervention and potential inflation/rate consequences. Probability of Chauvin acquittal: 35% - Shapiro estimates a significant chance of acquittal if charges are overbroad or poorly supported. Black population share: 13% - Used in a discussion of crime and police encounter disparities. Share of U.S. murders attributed to black men: 40% to 50% - Shapiro cites this range to argue differential police encounters are not necessarily driven by racism. Public support for using the military/Guard to stop riots: 6 to 7 Americans out of 10 - He claims polling shows majority support for restoring order if necessary. Trump polling margin over Biden: 8 points behind - Referenced via RealClearPolitics average. Polling battlegrounds mentioned: Arizona, Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas deadlocked - Shapiro says Trump is trailing in key states and Texas is close. Curfew time in some cities: 6 p.m. - Mentioned as evidence of severe disruption from riots. Deaths from riots: double-digit - Used to emphasize the seriousness of unrest and property destruction.

Pivotal Quotes: "the religion of wokeness" — Ben Shapiro: His central framing for progressive activism as a faith system with rituals and heresies. "If there is a spike in coronavirus cases in the next two weeks, don't blame the protesters. Blame racism." — Mark Levine: Quoted as an example of how racism is used as an all-purpose explanation. "I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country." — Drew Brees: The comment that triggered major backlash and apology demands.

Implications: Shapiro predicts continued polarization, legal risk if prosecutors overreach in the Floyd case, and more speech policing in media and culture. He argues real unity requires rejecting symbolic coercion and focusing on clear legal and policy standards.