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October 22, 2025 62 mins

Awake at the Wheel | Ep 95

In this episode of Awake at the Wheel, Malini and Oren engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Eric Kaufmann, a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham. They delve into themes of cultural identity, ideological polarization, and the psychology of belief systems. Eric shares his experiences with cancel culture, the impact of social media, and the misconceptions surrounding the concept of 'wokeness.'

Follow Eric on X: https://x.com/epkaufm

Takeaways

-Eric Kaufman discusses the normalization of hyperbolic language about the right and the threat it represents.
-The conversation explores the impact of ideological polarization on academic freedom.
-Eric shares his experiences with cancel culture and the tactics used against him.
-The role of social media in shaping public perception and discourse is examined.
-Eric emphasizes the importance of thinking statistically rather than emotionally.
-The discussion highlights the misconceptions surrounding the concept of 'wokeness.'
-Eric argues for a more nuanced understanding of immigration and assimilation.
-The conversation touches on the influence of cultural Marxism and humanitarian extremism.
-Eric advocates for a balanced approach to social media consumption.
-The episode concludes with a call for resilience and critical thinking in the face of societal challenges.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Eric Kaufman
00:00:53 Cultural Identity and Ideological Polarization
00:02:22 Experiences with Cancel Culture
00:46:23 Misconceptions of 'Wokeness'
00:50:13 Social Media and Public Perception

We want your questions! Future episodes will feature a new segment, Rounds Table, where Malini and Dr Amitay will answer your questions, discuss your comments, and explore your ideas. Send your questions to rounds@aatwpodcast.com, tweet us @awakepod, send us a message at facebook.com/awakepod, or leave a comment on this video!

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