America has long been hailed as the “land of the free”, yet the truth underlying this reputation is far from simple. Today, a significant disparity exists between the romanticized portrayal of America depicted in YouTube videos and Hollywood films, and the genuine state of the nation. In this article, I will seek to shed a light on the profound divisions within American society, far from emotional serenity, while also examining how the lynch culture known as “cancel culture” has severely polarized society. Furthermore, I will delve into how woke culture undermines the national interests of the United States.

While freedom of opinion in the United States appears to be guaranteed by law, societal polarization and divisions hinder its full realization. The First Amendment provides individuals with the freedom of thought and safeguards against government intervention. Nevertheless, this does not necessarily translate into the unrestricted expression of ideas within society.

American society is presently characterized by deep divisions – with a sharp distinction between the right-wing and left-wing, Democrats and Republicans. This division has given rise to an environment where finding a middle ground is increasingly challenging, pushing individuals to either align with one side or reject the other entirely This polarization is prevalent among both right and left-leaning individuals. However, it is worth emphasizing that the lynch culture within the American left is particularly noteworthy for its paradoxes.

American society struggles with tolerating diverse opinions and respecting diversity. Those who hold different viewpoints often find themselves at risk of ostracism, harassed, or having their reputations tarnished. This undermines free thought and debate and hinders the progress of society.

The rise of “woke” culture, especially among Generation Z, could pose a long-term threat to America. Despite self-identifying as “liberal,” this generation appears to deviate significantly from the foundational principles of liberalism. This departure represents a departure from the legacy of historical figures who championed liberal thought. In a society where even socialist or communist Americans align themselves with liberalism, a healthy culture of debate cannot be expected. The “woke” society in particular is eager to silence or discredit individuals who do not share their views. Such behavior threatens free thought, healthy dialogue, and American politics and international relations.

We see the deepest influence of Cancel culture on the campuses of American universities. An example of this is when left-wing groups undermine the activities of right-wing speakers who come to university campuses. The recent incident at Stanford, is a more detailed example. Federal Appeal Judge Duncan, a staunch conservative with a controversial history opposing LGBT+ rights, faced opposition to his viewpoints. Yet, recent events at Stanford, marked by vicious protests, were arguably more destructive than his ideas. Students, faculty, including Stanford Law School’s Associate Dean Tirien Steinbach, rallied against Duncan in a vicious manner, with protesters resorting to personal attacks like “We hope your daughters get raped.” These protests eroded the opposition’s credibility and moral standing. The Stanford protesters didn’t target Duncan’s opinions but rather attacked his character and his right to express his views freely. While the protests weren’t physically harmful, they exposed the oppressive aspects of “woke culture.” In the pursuit of political correctness, individuals with differing opinions from liberal values face exclusion and mockery, hindering meaningful discourse.

Findings of a survey conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education show that nearly 6 out of 10 Americans are hesitant to voice opinions suggesting that democracy in the United States is in jeopardy. This troubling statistic paints a concerning portrait for a nation that has historically championed the ideals of democracy worldwide. Such fear among individuals in their own communities increases polarization in the United States, negatively affecting social peace and prosperity.  For example, if we give an example from university campuses again, according to a study A significant majority, 68%, of conservative students feel uneasy about potential social repercussions for expressing their genuine opinions in class, while in contrast, only 22% of liberal students share similar worries. In addition, America, a country whose constitution was founded on freedom, is no longer even in the top 10 in free speech.

I believe that the long-term impact of these trends may pose a more profound challenge in America’s international relations. This is because liberals, under the sway of woke culture, tend to adopt a critical stance towards their own nation, politicize even national symbols such as the American flag, and even view the American flag in a political light, easily labeling people who have an American flag at home as “Trump supporters”. When even the flag of a country becomes a tool for political division, this is a serious sign of danger. Because a country where society cannot come together and be united is losing its power on the global stage.