Part 12/14:
Amid all this chaos, the culture war persists but perhaps with less intensity on one side. The anti-woke sentiment is gaining ground among “normies,” who are tired of corporate virtue signaling, censorship, and the erosion of traditional values. Hollywood’s attempt to “please red states” or appease conservative audiences by subtle messaging and political rebranding reflects an industry aware that its core base has shifted.
There’s a growing consensus that the “woke” ideology—whether labeled as social justice, DEI, or critical theories—has exhausted its influence and is retreating from mainstream entertainment. Yet, the underlying tensions—and the ideological battle—remain deeply embedded in societal institutions, from schools to corporations.