Taboo: How Making Race Sacred Produced a Cultural Revolution

'Stimulating and provocative' The Times

The once-dominant philosophy of the West—defined by free expression, equal treatment of individuals, national solidarity, and scientific rationality—is under threat.

‘Cultural socialism,’ which advocates:

• Harsh restrictions on free speech,
• Limitations on due process, and
• The suppression of national symbols

...aims to reduce psychological harm and bolster the esteem of formerly marginalized groups. This movement is on the rise.

The Origins of 'Woke' Cultural Socialism

Rather than focusing on Marxist revolutionaries or equality law, Eric Kaufmann examines the role of well-meaning left-liberals. He argues that:

• The genesis of ‘woke’ cultural socialism stems from liberal taboos around race that emerged in the 1960s.
• These taboos were later weaponized and extended to other areas, such as gender.

Using extensive survey data, Kaufmann demonstrates that this process is primarily driven by values, not fear. He warns that it will only accelerate as culturally leftist generations enter the workforce and electorate.

The Consequences and Solutions

The rise of cultural socialism:

• Suppresses open debate, which is essential for effective policy-making.
• Ultimately harms the very minorities cultural socialists claim to support.

Kaufmann contends that only by:

1. Shifting from encouraging minority fragility to building minority resilience, and
2. Using state power to check institutional illiberalism,

...can we resist cultural socialism and restore cultural flourishing.

Why This Book Matters

This is the authoritative study of the radical shift in values that has turbo-charged the culture wars of our time. No one concerned with the cultural and political conflicts of our era can afford to miss it.