By Chris Kenedy
The Settlement Project, two-part lecture series by Dr. Frank Kaufmann, “Countering Woke Ideology: Columbus, Ohio Conference, 2024,” is now available on YouTube.
These lectures, delivered at the Woke Ideology Critique and Counter Proposal seminar held on November 23rd at the Yokoso Center in Columbus, OH, offer a clear and insightful analysis of woke ideology, its origins, and its impact on American society.
Originally presented in collaboration with Turning Point USA, these videos provide accessible insights into a complex issue. Dr. Kaufmann, founder of The Settlement Project and co-author of “Woke Ideology Critique and Counter Proposal,” clearly explains the often-confusing nature of wokeism, making it simple and understandable for all audiences. As woke ideology has increasingly captured educational, professional, and governmental sectors, these teachings provide all that is needed to discern and respond effectively to these corrosive cultural phenomena.
In the first lecture, Dr. Kaufmann dismantles woke ideology, exposing its roots in Marxist thought and exposing its evolution into a more virulent form. He argues that while Marxism focused primarily on class struggle, wokeism expands the scope of oppression to include race, gender, truth, and social organization.
“Most peace work doesn’t believe that one of the sides is more bad than another,” Dr. Kaufmann explains. “But if there’s something bad going on, it requires opposition. It harms people. It should not be around.”
He further illustrates how wokeism, unlike Marxism, creates a fixed and irremovable state of victimhood and rage. The lecture emphasizes the importance of recognizing wokeism as an existential threat that cannot be simply voted away but must be understood at its roots.
The second lecture expands on the historical context of woke ideology, tracing its origins to the French and Russian Revolutions. Dr. Kaufmann explains how a seemingly noble desire for social justice, when coupled with flawed ideas, can lead to disastrous outcomes. He contrasts the trajectory of the historical Left, marked by the removal of God and the elevation of human reason, with that of the historical Right, which intensified faith and led to the founding of America.
Dr. Kaufmann also outlines the dangers of concepts like “equity,” “privilege,” and “intersectionality,” showing how they are used to create division and undermine individual liberty. He shows that wokeism inevitably leads to a society where personal experience trumps objective truth, and dissent is silenced.
These lectures are not just a critique but also a call to action. Dr. Kaufmann presents a “counter proposal” for individuals to become active agents in preserving American values. He advocates for a return to faith, the importance of family as a buffer against oppressive ideologies, and the need for solidarity among people of all faiths and backgrounds who share a commitment to truth and national unity.
“Every one of us is a weapon against something that means harm to our nation, to our friends, to the families we love,” Dr. Kaufmann asserts.
Please watch, subscribe, and share these enlightening lectures. They are a crucial resource for anyone seeking to understand the challenges posed by woke ideology and to participate in the vital work of restoring and expanding wholesome American ideals.
Subscribe to The Settlement Project’s YouTube channel for more content on countering destructive ideologies and promoting a healthy, united America.
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