Lee Fang Links 1960s-70s Social Upheaval and Crime to "Woke Era" Backlash

Investigative journalist Lee Fang has ignited discussion with a recent social media post asserting a direct connection between the "mass violence, crime and identity politics" of the late 1960s and early 1970s and the emergence of a "fairytale version of this history" that he believes underpins the "2020 woke era." Fang, known for his critiques of established narratives, suggests that a historical backlash was an inevitable consequence of the earlier period's societal shifts.

The late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States were marked by significant social unrest, including the civil rights movement, anti-Vietnam War protests, and the rise of various identity-based political movements such as the American Indian Movement, gay rights activism, and second-wave feminism. During this period, the nation also experienced a notable surge in crime rates. Violent crime, including homicide, saw a substantial increase from the 1960s through the early 1990s, with a peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, contributing to a widespread sense of public insecurity.

Fang's commentary implies that contemporary interpretations of this tumultuous era often overlook or misrepresent the full scope of its challenges, particularly the societal disruption and increased criminality. He argues that this selective historical memory contributes to the current "woke era," which he views as rooted in a simplified or idealized understanding of past movements. This perspective aligns with Fang's journalistic focus on scrutinizing the influence of "dogmatic belief systems" and organized interest groups on public policy and discourse.

The concept of "backlash" in this context refers to a conservative political and social reaction that often follows periods of rapid progressive change. Historically, figures like Richard Nixon capitalized on public anxieties related to social upheaval and crime with "law and order" platforms, suggesting a societal pushback against perceived excesses of liberal movements. Fang's tweet posits that the current "woke era" is, in part, an echo or continuation of these historical tensions, stemming from a collective amnesia or deliberate re-framing of the past.

By linking the historical realities of the late 20th century to present-day social dynamics, Fang's statement encourages a re-examination of how past events are remembered and interpreted, and their potential influence on contemporary political and cultural movements. His critique highlights an ongoing debate about historical accuracy and its impact on modern societal divisions.