OPINION: Woke turned into a joke—but let’s be honest, wasn’t it always? The re-election of Donald Trump wasn’t just a political triumph; it was a resounding declaration that the American people have grown weary of the woke agenda. Over the past several years, the progressive left has systematically dismantled cultural traditions, reimagined history, and replaced truth with ideology. The result? A fractured society fed up with being told that everything they value is offensive or outdated. Trump’s victory in 2024 symbolizes the start of a cultural renaissance where Americans are reclaiming their heritage, protecting their values, and putting an end to divisive narratives. Woke is dead, and the nation is better for it.
Take, for example, the restoration of the Washington Redskins’ iconic logo. This isn’t merely a sports story; it’s a cultural milestone. When the Washington Commanders announced they would revert to their former identity and revive the legendary logo, it marked a victory for common sense over cancel culture. The logo, inspired by Blackfoot chief John Two Guns White Calf, had always been a tribute to Native American heritage. Yet, in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the ensuing cancel culture hysteria, it was erased as part of a misguided attempt to appease a vocal minority.
Censorship of the former Commanders logo was a case of woke gone wrong.
I applaud the @Commanders & the @NFL for their commitment to never censor the logo again & for working with the Wetzel family to restore it to a place of prominence and honor to benefit Indian Country. pic.twitter.com/BYnNDGXnhB
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) November 20, 2024
The irony of canceling a symbol of Native American pride wasn’t lost on the public. It became clear that the woke mob, under the guise of inclusion, was actively erasing cultural history. Republican Montana Senator Steve Daines captured this sentiment perfectly, calling out the hypocrisy of canceling Native American culture to serve an extremist agenda. The NFL’s decision to restore the logo in collaboration with the Wetzel family, descendants of the Native American artist who designed it, demonstrates that good-faith discussions and mutual respect can triumph over ideological overreach.
The story of the Redskins is emblematic of a broader cultural battle playing out across America. Disney, once a cornerstone of family entertainment, has become a glaring example of how pandering to woke ideology can alienate audiences. By replacing beloved classics with subpar remakes that prioritize checkbox diversity over storytelling, Disney has driven away loyal fans. These live-action reimaginings, like The Little Mermaid and Snow White, don’t honor the cultures they claim to represent; instead, they dismantle cherished traditions under the guise of progress. The box office failures of these projects serve as evidence that Americans are rejecting hollow narratives in favor of authenticity.
While Disney attempts to rewrite Western cultural heritage, the educational system has become another battleground for woke ideology. Programs like the 1619 Project aim to reshape the teaching of American history, casting the nation’s founding as fundamentally racist and corrupt. This divisive narrative, while celebrated by progressive academics, has been widely criticized for its inaccuracies and for reducing complex historical events to a simplistic story of oppression. Rather than fostering unity, it has deepened divisions and created a generation taught to view their country through a lens of guilt and resentment.
Even the smallest joys of everyday life haven’t been spared from the woke crusade. Iconic brands like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s have been scrubbed of their history, their familiar faces erased in the name of progress. These changes weren’t driven by the public but by corporate executives desperate to avoid backlash from social media mobs. Similarly, beloved children’s literature by Dr. Seuss was deemed problematic, with several books pulled from circulation. The idea that whimsical stories promoting imagination and learning could somehow be offensive underscores just how absurd and overreaching this movement has become.
Perhaps most egregious has been the infiltration of radical ideology into America’s classrooms. Under the banner of inclusivity, educators have pushed transgender and LGBTQ narratives onto children, often without parental consent. Parents across the country have expressed outrage at lessons promoting gender fluidity to kindergarteners or hiding students’ transitions from their families. Americans have always championed individual freedoms, but when those freedoms infringe on parental rights and childhood innocence, the line must be drawn.
Donald Trump’s re-election wasn’t just a referendum on the economy or foreign policy—it was a mandate to stop this madness. His presidency represents a pushback against the forces that seek to dismantle the nation’s foundation. Americans aren’t rejecting diversity or progress; they’re rejecting the authoritarian tactics of the woke left, which silence dissent, rewrite history, and erase traditions.
The Washington Redskins story offers a blueprint for how America can move forward. By working with the Wetzel family, the NFL has shown that respecting cultural heritage doesn’t have to mean erasing it. The decision to un-cancel the logo is a direct response to the demands of everyday Americans who are tired of being told that their history and traditions are problematic. It’s proof that when people stand up against the mob, they can win.
The cultural shift is already evident. Americans are boycotting companies that pander to woke ideologies and flocking to alternatives that respect their values. Parents are attending school board meetings in record numbers, demanding transparency and accountability in education. Films and books that celebrate tradition and authenticity are finding massive success, proving that audiences still crave stories rooted in timeless truths.
Woke is dead, not because Americans are regressive or intolerant, but because they refuse to be coerced into abandoning their heritage and values. The restoration of the Redskins logo, the rejection of Disney’s hollow remakes, and the backlash against divisive educational programs are all signs that the pendulum is swinging back toward sanity.
As the Wetzel family’s descendants celebrate the return of their ancestor’s legacy, Americans across the country can take heart. The re-election of Donald Trump has reignited a cultural revival that promises to restore what was lost. The woke agenda sought to divide, silence, and erase, but it underestimated the resilience of a people bound by shared history and a desire for truth.
In rejecting woke extremism, America has chosen to preserve the richness of its cultural tapestry. This isn’t just a victory for conservatives—it’s a victory for everyone who believes in the power of tradition, the value of honest dialogue, and the importance of remembering where we came from. Woke is dead, and in its place, a stronger, united America is rising.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.
I have been awake all my life. Even Wal-Mart decided to get rid of DEI right before Black Friday.