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The War on the West
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The War on the West

Douglas Murray
Broadside Books, 2022
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Recommendation

Neoconservative British author Douglas Murray argues against claims of systemic racism and other alleged Western sins. He describes critical race theory as a destructive manifestation of “woke,” anti-West sentiment because, he says, it makes those it criticizes – whites – hate themselves. Thus, he asserts, opposing enduring racism abets more bias, not less. Generally, Murray draws mixed reviews. Tim Stanley of The Daily Telegraph called him, “a superbly perceptive guide through the age of the social justice warrior,” while William Davies of The Guardian criticized Murray’s book The Madness of Crowds as “the bizarre fantasies of a rightwing provocateur.” While he will aggravate those who disagree, as a proud rightist talking to a like-minded audience, Murray articulates the intensity of right-wing voices in today’s culture wars.

Summary

For decades, a vocal minority has waged a cultural war on the West from within.

Activists who exaggerate the ills of Western civilization criticize every aspect of its society – history, philosophy, religion, science, art, music and literature.Though relatively few in number, these belligerents have penetrated popular culture, influencing leaders across business, religion, politics and the arts. If someone doesn’t curtail them, they might achieve their overarching goal – to topple Western institutions, including capitalism and democracy. 

Those who would tear down Western traditions practice the same forms of racism, stereotyping and victimization they profess to condemn. They hold Westerners – the living and the dead – to impossible standards beyond those expected of other peoples or cultures. They attack Western nations even as they demand inclusion, instant diversity and radical change. They revere non-Western cultures and societies, though they wouldn’t dream of living within them. When members of their own groups speak in favor of the West, they silence them.

Worldwide, people regard insulting ...

About the Author

An associate editor at the UK’s Spectator and a political commentator, Douglas Murray has written seven books including Neoconservatism: Why We Need It; Bloody Sunday: Truths, Lies and the Saville Inquiry; The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity and The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam. A senior fellow at the National Review Institute, Murray was associate director of the Henry Jackson Society from 2011 to 2018.   

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