Piers Morgan’s latest publication, Woke Is Dead, critiques various facets of contemporary society, including the gender divide, the decline of free speech, and the rise of plant-based diets among climate activists, reports BritPanorama.
In his book, Morgan transforms his ire into a full-throated condemnation of what he perceives as societal excesses. He labels Meghan Markle a “whining actress” and dismisses Kendrick Lamar as “unmemorable,” while describing the Bafta-winning drama Adolescence as “frankly boring.” Morgan’s discontent extends to celebrating JK Rowling’s views on trans rights while simultaneously declaring that he has little appreciation for the Harry Potter series, stating, “I’d rather paint over my TV and watch it dry.”
Woke Is Dead, subtitled “How Common Sense Triumphed in an Age of Total Madness,” seeks to dismantle what Morgan terms the “woke brigade,” a group he accuses of overreacting to perceived slights. He claims that due to this movement, essential elements of life—such as flirting and casual dining—have become fraught with political correctness. He reserves special critique for James Bond, whom he argues has been “emasculated” under the portrayal of Daniel Craig, who he insists prioritizes discussions about emotions over traditional male heroism.
Morgan expresses frustration with the concept of pronouns, sarcastically asserting his own as “hot/hotter/hottest.” He also targets vegans, claiming they are hypocritical, citing environmental concerns about avocado production as a rationale.
He argues that the term “woke,” initially associated with awareness of racial prejudice, has been exploited by groups with a coercive agenda aimed at “sucking all the joy out of life.” Morgan stresses that dissent from their views leads to threats of public shaming or cancellation.
In his analysis of American politics, Morgan asserts that Barack Obama’s presidency was so entrenched in “woke” ideology that Donald Trump’s election represented a necessary correction. He posits that Trump’s victory exemplified the rejection of the decade-long trend of outrage and censorship, restoring a sense of normalized discourse.
Morgan shows no hesitation in attributing these claims to Trump, despite the latter’s well-documented issues, including being a convicted felon and accusations of misogyny. He remains focused on his narrative, asserting that current societal norms threaten free expression.
Now 60, Morgan has become a significant figure in media, leveraging platforms like YouTube to amplify his viewpoints. His communication style remains unabashedly direct, as he engages with issues such as gender identity, representation in sports, and the historical narrative as he seeks clarity amid societal complexities.
While Morgan acknowledges movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter as fundamentally positive, he warns that their extremities have led to a pervasive fear of false accusations regarding sexism or racism, affecting societal dynamics, particularly concerning masculinity. He laments that modern culture has lost iconic male figures, contrasting them unfavorably with current representations.
He critiques contemporary films, referencing The Marvel, which he claims underperformed due to its unsatisfactory narratives and character portrayals. Conversely, he highlights the box office success of the Top Gun sequel, attributing it to its traditional male-driven narrative.
One of the more contentious aspects of his book is Morgan’s fervent admiration for Trump. He describes a scene following Trump’s ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports as both wholesome and a repudiation of negative stereotypes surrounding the former president.
Ultimately, Woke Is Dead serves as a clear reflection of Morgan’s viewpoints, albeit at the cost of exploring the deeper complexities of the issues he raises. The ongoing debates about identity and societal values remain contentious, warranting engagement rather than dismissal. Yet, in this landscape, Morgan finds a niche as a provocateur willing to voice contentious opinions.
‘Woke Is Dead’ by Piers Morgan (HarperCollins, £22) is out now
