"Woke" Bullying And Cancelling

ChRIS said:

Do you think that the educational practice of teaching what to think instead of how to think could have led to the bullying and cancelling in the name of 'woke'?

ChatGPT said:

That's a fascinating question, Chris, and it delves into the intersection of education, culture, and social dynamics. Here's a thoughtful response:

Teaching "What to Think" vs. "How to Think"

When education prioritises what to think (facts, doctrines, and accepted norms) over how to think (critical analysis, questioning, and evaluating diverse perspectives), it can create a fertile ground for dogmatic thinking. This approach often discourages intellectual independence and rewards conformity, which might contribute to certain social phenomena, including the more extreme behaviours associated with “woke” culture.

The Link to Bullying and Cancelling

1. Rigid Moral Frameworks
   If people are conditioned to uncritically accept certain ideas as absolute truths, they may lack the tools to question their own beliefs or engage with opposing viewpoints. This rigidity can lead to a moral absolutism where dissent is not tolerated, and anyone who deviates from the accepted "truth" is labelled as an enemy. The tools of social media amplify this dynamic, turning disagreements into public trials.

2. Virtue as Identity
   In cultures where virtue signalling is celebrated, individuals may feel pressured to display their "righteousness" publicly. Without critical thinking skills, this can devolve into performative activism, where calling out or cancelling others becomes a way to gain social capital. It’s easier to shame someone than to engage in a nuanced debate.

3. Tribalism and In-Group Thinking
   A lack of critical thinking also fosters in-group loyalty. If people are taught to value agreement over inquiry, they may view differing opinions not as opportunities for dialogue but as threats to group cohesion. This reinforces bullying behaviours, as defending the group’s “truth” becomes more important than understanding the other side.

A Nuanced View of Woke Culture

While the excesses of “woke” culture—bullying, cancelling, and moral policing—can be linked to uncritical thinking, it's also a movement rooted in addressing real issues of inequality and justice. The problem arises when the tools for justice (dialogue, empathy, and reform) are replaced by punitive measures (shaming, cancelling, and ostracism).

Solutions: Teaching How to Think

1. Fostering Critical Inquiry
   Encouraging students to question assumptions, analyse evidence, and evaluate multiple perspectives can inoculate them against dogmatic thinking. Teaching how to think creates individuals who can engage in thoughtful discourse rather than resorting to silencing tactics.

2. Building Resilience to Disagreement
   Education should include lessons on the value of disagreement and the importance of civil debate. This helps individuals handle opposing views without perceiving them as personal attacks.

3. Encouraging Intellectual Humility
   By teaching that no single person or group holds a monopoly on truth, educators can cultivate a culture of curiosity rather than certitude. This openness makes it harder for bullying and cancelling to take root, as individuals are less likely to see differing views as inherently dangerous.

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In summary, while teaching "what to think" isn’t the sole cause of bullying or cancelling behaviours, it does contribute to a mindset where critical engagement is replaced by unquestioning adherence to dominant narratives. Reorienting education toward teaching "how to think" could mitigate some of these effects and foster a culture that values thoughtful discourse over punitive righteousness.