Bill Maher claims nobody has ever faced backlash for being ‘too woke’ – he couldn’t be more wrong
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Political commentator and comedian Bill Maher recently made a bold statement on social media, claiming that nobody has ever faced backlash for being “too woke.” However, a closer look at recent events suggests otherwise.
Maher’s comments came after he shared a clip from his talk show, Real Time with Bill Maher, in which he criticized Katherine Maher, the chief executive of National Public Radio. Katherine has been at the center of a conservative backlash since taking over the position last month, with right-wing pundits accusing her of bias towards Democrats and progressive ideas.
In the clip, Maher referred to Katherine as a “Portlandia character” and mocked her beliefs, including her views on looting and white privilege. He then shared the post on social media, along with the caption, “Nobody ever gets cancelled for saying anything too woke.”
While Maher’s statement may have been intended to highlight what he sees as a lack of consequences for progressive viewpoints, it overlooks numerous examples of individuals and groups facing backlash for their so-called “woke” beliefs.
One such example is the controversy surrounding Bud Light and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch, after they featured trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney in a sponsorship advert. Following the release of the ad, Mulvaney became the target of an international right-wing hate campaign, prompting her to briefly leave the US for her own safety.
The abuse against Mulvaney escalated to the point where protestors were seen shooting cans of Bud Light and vandalizing shops. Sales for the company plummeted as a result, leading Bud Light to drop Mulvaney from their campaign, sparking a strong response from her.
In addition to Mulvaney, other LGBTQ+ groups and individuals who have expressed support for progressive ideas have also faced threats and backlash. Drag queens, pro-LGBTQ+ politicians, hospitals, schools, and even gym chains like Planet Fitness have received hoax bomb threats after advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
These incidents highlight the very real consequences that individuals and organizations can face for speaking out on issues related to social justice and equality. While Maher may believe that nobody has ever been punished for being “too woke,” the reality is quite different.
In conclusion, Maher’s assertion that there are no repercussions for expressing progressive views is not supported by recent events. The examples cited above demonstrate the very real risks and consequences that individuals and groups can face for standing up for their beliefs. It is important to recognize and address these challenges in order to create a more inclusive and tolerant society.
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