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Activism is the new religion — and they’re worshipping false idols.

JL;DR SUMMARY Lucy Tabrizi critiques modern Western activism, likening it to a pseudo-religion where identity and belonging overshadow genuine understanding and impact. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

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Tags

IdentityProtestSocial MediaHypocrisyActivismMiddle East ConflictPrivilegePerformanceWestern SocietyPolitical Tribes

Places mentioned

Iran
"In Iran, women burn hijabs knowing they could be beaten, jailed, or killed."
China
"In China, a single post can make a dissident disappear."
Saudi Arabia
"In Saudi Arabia, people have been handed decades-long sentences or executed for tweeting."
London, United Kingdom
"A decade ago, in the UK, I stumbled into my own activist phase. I turned up to the November 5th protest in London, hardly knowing who Guy Fawkes was, but eager to find my people."
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
"It has mobilised millions, filled streets from Sydney to London, and dominated social media for nearly two years."

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