Viral "Woke Democrat" Quote Falsely Attributed to Conservative Economist Thomas Sowell

A quote widely circulating on social media, stating, "I am a proud woke Democrat. What does that mean? It means I care about everybody," has been falsely attributed to prominent conservative economist Thomas Sowell. The quote, shared by the account "Thomas Sowell Quotes," is inconsistent with Sowell's well-documented political and economic philosophy.Thomas Sowell, a distinguished senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, is a renowned figure in conservative circles, celebrated for his critiques of progressive policies and his advocacy for free-market principles. His extensive body of work and public commentary consistently align with libertarian-conservative viewpoints, directly opposing the "woke Democrat" ideology. Sowell has frequently challenged concepts such as systemic racism, government intervention, and affirmative action, arguing against policies often associated with progressive movements.The misattributed statement directly contradicts Sowell's established intellectual positions, which emphasize individual responsibility and limited government. For instance, Sowell has been a vocal critic of policies he believes lead to unintended negative consequences, a stance far removed from the broad, inclusive sentiment expressed in the viral quote. His writings and interviews over decades have cemented his reputation as a leading voice against many tenets of modern progressive thought.While the origin of the false attribution remains unclear, its rapid spread highlights the ease with which misinformation can circulate on social media platforms. The quote's content is diametrically opposed to Sowell's actual views, suggesting it is either a deliberate fabrication or a misunderstanding of his work. Sowell's career has been dedicated to intellectual discourse rooted in empirical evidence and a conservative interpretation of economic and social issues.