Taboo: How Making Race Sacred Produced a Cultural Revolution

by Eric Kaufmann

The once-dominant philosophy of the West, defined by free expression, equal treatment of individuals, national solidarity and scientific rationality, is under threat. 'Cultural socialism' – which advocates harsh restrictions on free speech, due process and national symbols in order to reduce psychological harm and bolster the esteem of formerly marginalized groups – is on the rise. Rather than focusing on Marxist revolutionaries or equality law, Eric Kaufmann concentrates on well-meaning left-liberals. He argues that the genesis of 'woke' cultural socialism emerged from liberal taboos around race that arose in the 1960s and came to be weaponised and extended to other areas, such as gender. Using extensive survey data, he shows that this process is driven mainly by values, not fear, and is only going to accelerate as culturally leftist generations enter the workforce and electorate. Its rise suppresses the open debate that makes effective policy-making possible, harming the minorities cultural socialists purport to help. Only if we shift from encouraging minority fragility to building minority resilience, using state power to check institutional illiberalism, can we resist cultural socialism and restore cultural flourishing. This is the authoritative study of the radical shift in values that has turbo-charged the culture wars of our time. No-one concerned with the cultural and political conflicts of our times can afford to miss it.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Cultural, Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology, History

504 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2024

About the author

Eric Peter Kaufmann is a Canadian professor of politics at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is a specialist on Orangeism in Northern Ireland, nationalism, political demography and demography of the religious/irreligious.

Reviews

[Michael Milburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A more sophisticated book than suggested by the title (which wasn’t chosen by the author). Marxism merely offers the supply for which liberalism presents the demand. I was less interested in the proposed solutions.

[Jo Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only read selected extracts as the whole book has not been issued yet but I loved what I read. So clear, succinct and eloquently written.

[Rodrigo Jungmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talvez o melhor sobre o tema seja este aqui.

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common sense ain't common.