The Growing Conversation Around “Awakening”

The term “awakening” is becoming quite prominent. If it’s new to you, brace yourself; you’ll be hearing it often from now on. This phrase describes conservatives adopting various tactics they have long criticized, such as moral shaming, loyalty tests, and canceling cultural figures.

James Lindsay, a writer who previously collaborated with Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA, introduced this term some time ago. He cautioned that if conservatives keep heading down this path, they might spiral into self-destruction. It seems we’ve reached that point.

In response to criticisms, Charlie Kirk’s call for retaliation was strikingly loud. Some within conservative circles appear to want critics to face consequences like termination, public shaming, or even legal action. Ironically, Kirk made a name for himself as a champion of free speech. Yet now, some of his closest allies seem to undermine that very principle.

Candice Owens criticized Pam Bondy, stating that she is attempting to establish hate speech laws using Kirk’s assassination as a foundation.

Tucker Carlson echoed similar concerns, expressing hope that the turmoil following Kirk’s murder wouldn’t be exploited to enact hate speech legislation in America.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) remarked on FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr’s recent actions, likening the situation to moments from “Goodfellas” when mobsters arrive at a bar.

Let’s take a moment here. Republicans are no strangers to enforcing accountability among their ranks. Consider how they dealt with the Epstein files or their party’s own overreach. Perhaps there’s something Democrats could learn from that. What frustrates me, though, is the selective outrage.

For years, conservative voices within the MAGA movement have condemned what they call “liberal cancel culture.” Yet now, some of these same individuals are utilizing censorship in their own way. It’s a glaring hypocrisy that’s difficult to ignore, particularly when you think of someone like Donald Trump.

Remember the moment when he took office? He declared that he would put an end to government censorship and sign an executive order to restore free speech in America.

Or consider Elon Musk, who previously tweeted that if anyone felt mistreated on his platform or by their employer, his team would support them financially. No strings attached. Just let us know.

So, what’s the takeaway? Is it free speech for everyone, or only for those who echo your views? It seems the MAGA movement is pivoting its cancel culture from an outward focus to one that’s more self-serving.

If conservatives truly wish to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy, they shouldn’t use grief as a weapon to silence opposing voices. This approach doesn’t protect free speech; it undermines it.

Furthermore, if you truly believe in something, you should advocate for it to be applied universally, not just for those aligned with your beliefs. Otherwise, it’s not about defending freedom; it’s merely their version of cancel culture, rebranded.