Is the Wake for Wokeness Premature?

TL;DR

Claudia Rankine's new book, Triage, expresses deep grief over the perceived failure of efforts towards racial equality in America.
Her earlier work, Citizen, published after the Ferguson unrest, resonated with the Black Lives Matter movement's optimism for societal change.
The current moment, marked by a backlash against diversity initiatives and 'woke' ideals, is seen as a profound tragedy, with political shifts reversing progress.
Rankine argues that the current administration has fueled a culture war to distract from moves toward oligarchy and authoritarianism.
The concept of 'cruel optimism' is explored, where hope can impede personal flourishing, and grief is presented as a dominant feeling for many.
Despite the setbacks, the article suggests that changes in institutional handling of race and the lasting power of representation, particularly among younger generations, indicate that the story of racial progress may be incomplete.
The long-term impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, especially in professional fields, may be more significant and difficult to revoke than initially perceived.
The book questions whether the struggle for equality has truly been lost, suggesting that what appears as a fall might be a phase in a larger historical movement.

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