A Critical Look at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Stance on Wokeness

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently attempted to distance herself from past associations with the ‘Woke 1’ era, making light of her previous support for controversial far-left cultural positions. During a weekend event, she laughed off her past enthusiasm, echoing New York City Councilman Chi Ossé’s comment, ‘Woke 1 was crazy.’ This remark raises questions about the sincerity of such conversions.

While it is notable that many progressives have moved away from earlier extreme ideas, the nonchalant attitude they display is concerning. Acting as though ‘Woke 1’ was an uncontrollable event implies a lack of responsibility. During this period, figures like Ocasio-Cortez played an active role without attempting to mitigate its impact.

While her position wasn’t as extreme as some fictional scenarios, Ocasio-Cortez participated in promoting divisive policies.

Back in 2019, Ocasio-Cortez criticized New Yorkers for preferring to grow cauliflower over yuca in community gardens, accusing them of perpetuating colonization. Despite neither plant being native to New York, her stance was clear. More recently, she supported the contested term ‘Latinx,’ challenging fellow Democrats who retreated from its use, even though polls indicated widespread disinterest among Latin people.

In another instance, she disputed claims by Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the origins of cowboy culture, attributing it instead to African enslaved peoples. Her assertions have repeatedly fueled the wokeness discourse, often aligning with less conventional positions.

The shifts around wokeness involve differing definitions and memories of what being ‘woke’ entails. Previously labeled ‘political correctness,’ the focus was more on cultural speech and cancel culture. ‘Woke’ eventually became the preferred terminology, encompassing broader leftist policy positions beyond speech and culture, such as defunding the police and restructuring governmental frameworks.

The issue of policing became central, especially after the killing of George Floyd. Initially, reactions targeted excessive policing, but soon far-left activists repurposed the discourse for ideological policing. The cultural tide appears to have reversed, reducing the influence of left-wing media, social media activists, and academic spheres.

Many Democrats now regard their past reluctance to confront wokeness as a key factor in their current reduced power. Yet, labeling the period ‘Woke 1’ and suggesting closure ignores the ongoing dynamics. Ocasio-Cortez’s revised position may reveal a strategic pivot rather than a substantive shift, prompting skepticism about her future actions if trends revert.

Robby Soave is a co-host of ‘Rising’ on The Hill and a senior editor for Reason Magazine. This column is adapted from his daily commentary.