Petolicchio Defines 'Woke Right' and 'Woke Left' with Accusations of Antisemitism and Authoritarianism

Conservative commentator David Petolicchio recently ignited discussion on social media by offering highly provocative definitions of "Woke right" and "Woke left," characterizing both as authoritarian and antisemitic. The definitions, shared in a tweet, presented extreme ideological positions for these segments of the political spectrum, drawing significant attention to his views. Petolicchio, a contributor to conservative outlets such as The Federalist and Townhall, is known for his sharp critiques of progressive ideologies and cultural shifts.

In his social media post, Petolicchio outlined his understanding of the "Woke right" with several strong accusations. He stated, "> Woke right - Obsessed with racial identity - Authoritarian - Opposed to religious liberty - Hates the Jews - Blames women for everything - white people are superior." This characterization aligns with some discussions that describe a nascent "woke right" as focusing on cultural grievances and identity politics, sometimes including white identity.

Conversely, Petolicchio's definition of the "Woke left" mirrored some of these extreme claims while shifting others. He asserted, "> Woke left - Obsessed with racial identity - Authoritarian - Opposed to religious liberty - Hates the Jews - Blames men for everything - white people are evil." These specific definitions from Petolicchio highlight a deep ideological chasm, attributing highly inflammatory and controversial traits to both sides of the "woke" debate.

The term "woke" has undergone significant evolution, originally signifying an awareness of social injustices, particularly racial prejudice. However, it has increasingly become a pejorative term used across the political spectrum to criticize perceived excesses. While "woke left" is generally associated with progressive social justice activism, the concept of a "woke right" is a newer, less common descriptor, often used by critics to describe conservatives who engage in identity politics or seek to enforce cultural norms through state power.

Accusations of antisemitism, as made by Petolicchio against both "woke" factions, are a serious concern in contemporary political discourse. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reports a rise in antisemitism across the political spectrum, manifesting as white supremacist ideology on the far-right and sometimes emerging in extreme anti-Zionist rhetoric on parts of the far-left. Critics debate whether certain aspects of "woke" politics can inadvertently lead to antisemitic outcomes, while others maintain that "woke" principles are fundamentally anti-racist.

Similarly, Petolicchio's claim of authoritarianism against both "woke" ideologies reflects a broader concern about rising authoritarian tendencies globally. Modern political analysis suggests that elements of authoritarian thought, such as suppressing dissent, consolidating power, and prioritizing ideological purity over individual liberties, can be found in populist movements across the political spectrum. Some critics argue that aspects of "cancel culture" or demands for ideological conformity within "woke" circles exhibit authoritarian traits, while others point to similar tendencies in attempts by the "anti-woke" right to restrict academic freedoms or ban books.