Former Women's Studies Major Claims "Wokeism is a Mental Parasite" After Political Shift

Stepfanie Tyler, a former women's studies student, has garnered significant attention following a viral social media post in which she described "wokeism" as a "mental parasite." Tyler's comments, shared widely on a prominent social media platform, articulate a sharp critique of contemporary progressive ideologies, drawing on her personal experiences in academia.

Tyler, who graduated in 2012 with a degree in women's studies, stated in her tweet that she "experienced this firsthand in college." She elaborated on what she perceives as "brainwashing" within her curriculum, asserting that it aimed to make students "believe nuclear families are oppressive, that being a mom is oppressive, that having kids is something that ruins your life rather than gives life meaning." This perspective aligns with criticisms from some former students and academics who argue that women's studies can be overly ideological or negative.

The term "wokeism," originally rooted in African-American vernacular to denote awareness of social injustice, has evolved into a contentious label. It is frequently used pejoratively by critics to describe progressive movements perceived as intolerant, undermining academic freedom, or imposing narrow viewpoints. Academic discussions on "wokeism" often highlight concerns about ideological rigidity and the suppression of dissenting opinions within university settings.

Tyler's tweet further claimed that these academic teachings "frame every problem as a deeper systemic issue rooted in white men and the patriarchy" and "hijack language in an attempt to bypass truth." Her remarks reflect a broader debate regarding the influence of critical theories, often associated with "woke" ideologies, on academic curricula and public discourse. Critics from various backgrounds have voiced concerns that such frameworks can lead to an antagonistic view of social relations.

Feminist scholarship has a long history of critiquing traditional family structures and gender roles. Early radical feminist thought, particularly from the 1970s, often viewed the nuclear family and traditional motherhood as institutions contributing to women's oppression. However, later feminist waves, including matricentric feminism, have also sought to reclaim and re-evaluate motherhood as a potential source of empowerment, moving beyond purely negative interpretations.

Tyler's public shift in political views, which she attributes in part to a recent high-profile political event, has resonated with a significant audience. Her post, viewed tens of millions of times, underscores the ongoing cultural and ideological divisions in society, particularly concerning academic discourse and its perceived impact on traditional values. Tyler emphasized that studying biology alongside women's studies provided a contrasting perspective, preventing her from "falling for all the brainwashing."