Taboo

In Taboo, Eric Kaufmann examines the rise of cultural socialism and its impact on free speech and societal values, urging a shift towards resilience.

In Taboo, Eric Kaufmann explores the challenges facing Western philosophy, which has long championed free expression, equality, and scientific rationality. He argues that these foundational principles are increasingly threatened by a rising tide of 'cultural socialism.' This ideology advocates for stringent limitations on free speech and due process, all in the name of reducing psychological harm and enhancing the status of previously marginalized groups. Kaufmann's examination reveals how this shift, rooted in well-meaning left-liberal values, has emerged from the liberal taboos surrounding race that began gaining prominence in the 1960s.

Kaufmann's work delves into the implications of this cultural shift, highlighting how the rise of 'woke' cultural socialism has extended beyond race to encompass gender and other social issues. Utilizing extensive survey data, he demonstrates that this transformation is primarily driven by values rather than fear. As generations with these leftist ideals enter the workforce and electorate, the suppression of open debate threatens effective policy-making and ultimately harms the very minorities that cultural socialists aim to support.

Taboo serves as a critical analysis of the radical changes in societal values that have fueled today's culture wars. Kaufmann posits that to counteract cultural socialism and foster a more resilient society, we must shift our focus from promoting minority fragility to building minority resilience, advocating for the use of state power to combat institutional illiberalism. This authoritative study is essential for anyone concerned with the cultural and political conflicts of our time.