Perth, Australia – The Free Speech Union of Australia has launched a national speaking tour featuring American sociologist and author Musa al-Gharbi, with the inaugural event in Perth now underway. The tour, which includes discussions with documentary filmmaker Mike Nayna, is set to continue in Adelaide and Melbourne in the coming days. The events aim to foster dialogue on contemporary societal issues, particularly those explored in al-Gharbi's recent book.
Dr. Musa al-Gharbi, a Columbia-trained sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University, is touring to discuss themes from his book, We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. The book posits that while society theoretically embraces egalitarian ideals and diversity, social and economic inequality has simultaneously escalated. Al-Gharbi argues that a new elite, termed "symbolic capitalists," uses the language of social justice to accrue power and status, often without tangible benefits for marginalized groups.
The Free Speech Union of Australia is hosting al-Gharbi as part of its broader initiative to bring international voices to the forefront of free speech discussions in Australia and New Zealand. The organization seeks to contribute world-class commentary to the fight for open discourse and dialogue, inviting speakers who challenge conventional narratives. Al-Gharbi's tour is one of several planned for 2025, featuring prominent figures in the free speech landscape.
Mike Nayna, an acclaimed Australian documentary filmmaker known for works such as "Digilante," is engaging al-Gharbi in conversation during the tour events. Nayna's involvement underscores the tour's intent to facilitate in-depth and nuanced discussions on complex social theories and their real-world implications. Following the Perth event, the tour will proceed to Adelaide and conclude in Melbourne, offering further opportunities for public engagement with al-Gharbi's critical analysis of modern social movements.