Did Wokeness Leave Us Worse Off?

觉醒主义让我们变得更糟了吗?

The Opinions

2026-04-08

35 分钟
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单集简介 ...

The right is known for using provocative language. But lately there’s been a push to be transgressive, even on the left — from the return of certain slurs to the removal of pronouns from bios. Nadja Spiegelman, a Times Opinion culture editor, is joined by the writer and culture critic Aminatou Sow and the New York magazine writer Brock Colyar to debate whether our culture is abandoning political correctness — and if so, why? Plus, stick around to hear what words Aminatou and Brock would like to ban. Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com. This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Jasmine Romero. Mixing by Isaac Jones. Video editing by Jan Kobal and Arpita Aneja. The postproduction manager is Mike Puretz. Original music by Pat McCusker, Isaac Jones and Carole Sabouraud. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The director of Opinion Video is Jonah M. Kessel. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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单集文稿 ...

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  • I'm Nadja Spiegelman, and I'm a culture editor for New York Times opinion.

  • Lately, I've noticed there's this pushback against what we used to call woke.

  • For example, young people are using the R word again.

  • That word retard comes flying through these kids' mouths.

  • Five years ago, people were being absolutely crucified for saying retard.

  • Plot, what is the R word?

  • And pronouns are dropping out of email signatures.

  • It just feels like we're being a little less careful with what we say and who we might offend.