Is There a Left Way Back From Woke?

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IS THERE A LEFT WAY BACK FROM WOKE?

In his provocative new book, Cancelled: The Left Way Back from Woke, political scientist Professor Umut Özkirimli describes how the Left has been sucked into a spiral of toxic hatred and outrage-mongering, retreating from the democratic ideals of freedom, tolerance and pluralism that it purports to represent. However, he also warns that the radical identity politics of the contemporary Left are mirrored in identitarian tendencies on the Right and advocates an alternative approach in which we rediscover our common humanity and work across differences to find a constructive and consensual way back from “woke”.

“Umut Ozkirimli addresses the more extreme forms of woke-ism in this forthright, often witty examination of contemporary cancel culture… He says he walked into this war zone knowing he’d cop it from both left and right, and he will surely stir things up.” Sydney Morning Herald

“This book will make you think, which is probably what makes it so scary. Özkırımlı’s accessible style helps navigate contentious areas that have, increasingly, been seen as too dangerous to debate. Whatever Side you are on in this increasingly vicious culture war, you would benefit from reading this book. I don't agree with all of it, but I am sure as hell glad it made it to the shelves.” Julie Bindel, feminist and writer.

Professor Özkirimli will be joined in conversation by two eminent public intellectuals:

Umut Özkırımlı is a Senior Research Fellow at IBEI (Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals), a professor at Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, and a Senior Research Associate at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs). He is also the Academic Director of the Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He is the author of the acclaimed Theories of Nationalism: A Critical Introduction, currently in its third edition. His writings appear frequently in The Guardian, openDemocracy, Times Higher Education, Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, among others.

Professor Alice Sullivan has been instrumental in providing evidence that clarifies the need to preserve sex-based social categories in data-collection and policy-making. She has also led the UK pushback against the culture of ‘no debate’ about gender theory within and beyond academia, including rallying academics at University College London to vote to detach the university from Stonewall and ensuring that academic freedom is upheld.

CHAIR:

Dr Jan Macvarish, Education and Events Director of the Free Speech Union.

The panel will discuss Professor Özkirimli’s book and how those on the Left and the politically homeless can be encouraged to reject the divisiveness of ‘woke’ politics and stand up for freedom of speech and democratic values. As ever, there will be plenty of time for audience Q and A.

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