Palantir CEO Alex Karp declared the company 'anti-woke' during an earnings call, highlighting its support for free speech, meritocracy, and controversial alliances such as working with ICE and Israel. The company reported a 63% increase in revenue to $1.2 billion, driven by significant growth in US commercial and government sectors. Karp emphasized a focus on supporting 'average Americans' and critiqued open border policies, while also expressing a desire for a shared national identity.
Strive Inc., founded by Vivek Ramaswamy as an 'anti-woke' asset manager, has seen its stock surge due to its pivot to Bitcoin holdings, merger activities, and retail investor interest, making it one of the largest Bitcoin treasuries and attracting attention on social media platforms.
'Basic Instinct' is getting a reboot with a new script by original screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, produced by Amazon MGM UA, described as 'anti-woke' and based on the successful 90s erotic thriller.
The upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie has cast Andrew Schulz, an online personality known for anti-woke views, as Dan Hibiki, adding controversy to the film's diverse and eccentric cast.
Nick Cave declined to participate in a new Morrissey song that featured a provocative spoken-word intro, citing a desire to keep politics out of his music, despite being offered to sing or provide backing vocals. Cave appreciated the song but was uncomfortable with Morrissey's anti-woke speech, reflecting ongoing tensions around Morrissey's controversial views and musical activities.
The upcoming game Avowed by Obsidian Entertainment has become the latest target of anti-woke critics who claim it promotes a progressive agenda, despite lacking any substantial evidence. This backlash highlights the underlying racism, homophobia, and misogyny driving such campaigns, as critics focus on the game's diverse character representation and inclusion of non-binary pronouns. The controversy underscores the persistent exploitation of bigotry for profit within certain online communities.
Walmart is revising its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, including removing certain products and reviewing grants, amid pressure from anti-woke activist Robby Starbuck. The company clarified these changes were planned prior to Starbuck's campaign. Walmart will discontinue its Racial Equity Center and shift focus to "belonging" in communications, while continuing to support Pride events. It also joins other companies in withdrawing from the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.
Dealing with "anti-woke" coworkers requires understanding their mental models and using tools like the ladder of inference to have constructive conversations. Framing fixes and asset-framing can help shift perspectives and promote empathy. Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions, so focusing on humanity and avoiding stigmatizing narratives can break down barriers to equity and inclusion.
The new Barbie movie has received strong reviews for its feminist themes, but it has also drawn criticism from right-wing media for being "woke" and promoting a "man-hating" portrayal of Ken. Conservative figures like Jack Posobiec and Ben Shapiro have voiced their disapproval, while others have accused the film of being "insufferably woke" and promoting trans grooming. Despite the backlash, Barbie has been praised for its feminist message and ability to tackle heavy topics with joy. The film has also performed well at the box office, grossing $22.3 million in domestic Thursday previews.
Greg Gutfeld, host of Fox News' late-night show "Gutfeld!" and co-host of "The Five," has become a bigger player at the network after Tucker Carlson's exit by riding on his "anti-woke" humor to ratings stardom. Gutfeld's success has been attributed to his ability to tap into the frustrations of conservative viewers who feel alienated by mainstream media.
Lex Fridman's podcast, which started as "The Artificial Intelligence Podcast," has become a safe space for the anti-woke tech elite. Fridman has become a mouthpiece for some of tech's most vocal leaders who have taken a sharp right turn. His podcast provides a reputable forum to discuss vaccine safety, race science, and the importance of traditional gender roles. However, some scientists and academics fear Fridman is contributing to the "cacophony of misinformation."
