1.4 Million Followers: Dr. J.D. Haltigan Asserts 'Woke' Ideology Persists Despite Claims of Its Demise

Dr. J.D. Haltigan, a prominent researcher in developmental and evolutionary psychopathology, recently leveraged his substantial social media platform to issue a sharp critique regarding the ongoing influence of "woke" ideology. With 1.4 million followers, Haltigan declared, "Anyone claiming Woke is dead is absolutely delusional," directly challenging narratives suggesting a decline in this cultural movement.

Haltigan, a former academic at institutions such as the University of Toronto, has become a vocal critic of what he perceives as the pervasive influence of "wokeness" within higher education and broader society. His outspoken views, particularly on issues like gender ideology and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements, have reportedly led to a "soft cancellation" from traditional academic roles, prompting him to cultivate a significant online presence. He now utilizes platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Substack, and appears on various podcasts, to disseminate his perspectives.

The term "woke," originating in African-American Vernacular English, initially signified an alertness to racial prejudice and discrimination. Over the past decade, its meaning has expanded to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities, including sexism, gender inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights. More recently, it has been widely adopted as an umbrella term for left-wing ideologies, especially those associated with identity politics and social justice activism, and is frequently used pejoratively by conservatives to criticize these concepts.

Dr. Haltigan's statement underscores his firm conviction that, far from receding, "woke" ideology remains a potent force. His engagement reflects a broader societal debate where public intellectuals and social media figures play an increasingly significant role in shaping discourse and mobilizing large audiences around contentious cultural issues. The strong reactions generated by such pronouncements highlight the deep ideological divides currently present in public life.