“The Woke Debate Is a Move by the Right To Divert Attention”: Ted Cruz Amplifies Crusade Against Corporate America’s ‘Woke’ Policies

Gabriel RomanNov 23, 2023

Minute Read

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has intensified his campaign against what he labels the “woke” agenda in corporate America. He has urged consumers to actively hold large businesses accountable. This stance is part of a bigger ideological battle within the United States, where politics and corporate governance are becoming intertwined.

Ted Cruz’s New Book

Image Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

In his book, “Unwoke,” Senator Cruz criticized large corporations that align with left-wing politics. He expressed concern about these companies acting as enforcers of left-wing economic goals. He said, “We’ve seen something that would have been hard to imagine a few years ago, which is major companies becoming the economic enforcement arm for the left-wing agenda.”

Corporate America’s Political Posture

During his CNBC appearance, Senator Cruz argued against governmental coercion of businesses into political stances. Instead, he called for business neutrality. He elaborates in his book on the perceived takeover of major institutions by what he describes as the “radical left,” stating, “I don’t think the government should be forcing businesses to take political positions on one side or the other.”

The Wider Critique Beyond Cruz

Senator Cruz’s concerns about the “woke” agenda are shared by other U.S. leaders. This suggests there is a broader ideological conflict affecting business operations and finances. This opinion reflects a growing divide in how businesses see their role in societal issues in contemporary America.

The Evolution of ‘Woke’

The term ‘woke’ is rooted in African American Vernacular English and has existed since the 1940s. However, it reached mainstream popularity in the mid-2010s. Merriam-Webster defines it as an awareness and active attention to societal facts and issues, especially those related to racial and social justice.

Accusations Against Big Business

Critics, including Senator Cruz, argue that large corporations are excessively pursuing “woke” ideologies. He claims they are prioritizing environmental and social governance over financial returns. This viewpoint challenges the traditional business emphasis on profit maximization over social rights.

Bernie Marcus’ Perspective on Corporate Leadership

Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, has criticized current business leaders for prioritizing “woke diversity” above shareholder and employee interests. He said, “We need leaders who are basically thinking about the shareholders and their employees. And I think today it’s all about woke diversity, things that don’t hit the bottom line.”

Chamath Palihapitiya’s Economic Warning

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.

Chamath Palihapitiya, CEO of Social Capital, introduced the term “go woke, go broke.” he suggested that the northeastern U.S.’s cultural and economic policies are shifting wealth and influence to southern states. He implies that these culture wars pose financial risks across the country.

Ron DeSantis’ Clash with Disney

Editorial credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida is an avid critic of the “woke” agenda. He initiated a legal confrontation with Disney following their objection to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This clash has impacted Disney’s financial performance, causing difficulties in its pandemic recovery and streaming ventures.

The Government’s Role in Regulating Business Ideologies

Image Credit: Jerome LABOUYRIE/Shutterstock.

In a conversation with CNBC’s Brian Sullivan, Cruz addressed the complexity of governmental intervention in corporate ideologies. This was particularly important in light of Florida’s actions against Disney. Sullivan’s question, “When you look at Florida going after Disney … what’s to prevent the other side from doing it also?” shows the complexities of this debate.

Cruz Reflects on America’s Ideological Shift

Image Credit: Mark Van Scyoc / Shutterstock.com

In response to Sullivan’s question, Senator Cruz shared his astonishment at the current ideological extremes in America. He claims that his book aims to explore the root causes of this shift. He said it will focus on the rise of “woke” ideologies and their impact on society, critiquing the consequences of supporting this ideology.

Cruz Advocates for Consumer Accountability

Cruz suggests consumer activism as a response to the increasing “woke-ification” in corporate America. He champions the idea that consumers should take an active role in holding businesses accountable for their policies. In doing so, he indicates a shift towards consumer-driven corporate governance.

The Bud Light Boycott

Highlighting the Bud Light boycott, Cruz pointed out the consumer backlash against the brand’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. This led to a notable sales decline. Cruz attributes this decline to a misalignment between the brand’s marketing decisions and core customer base.

Bud Light’s Sales Plunge

Following its marketing campaign, the boycott against Bud Light led to a significant financial impact – a 19% fall in U.S. sales and a 13% decrease in U.S. revenue for Q3. This downturn, as Cruz highlighted, was a direct consequence of the brand’s decision to engage with politically charged marketing. According to him, this led to its dethronement as America’s top-selling beer.

Critique of Cruz’s Business Skills

In response to the news, one user suggested that businesses simply want to expand their market by catering to diverse demographics. They said, “Listen to this, Cruz. This might sound outlandish to right-wing thinkers, but perhaps businesses are just trying to boost profits. They’re reaching out to different customer groups. Isn’t that obvious?”

Questioning the Impact of Trump’s Tariffs

Editorial credit: Al Teich / Shutterstock.

Another commentator mentioned the effect of former President Trump’s tariffs on international goods. They suggested there was a connection to the current economic scenario. They said, “Could it be that Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods and others contributed to the current pricing situation?”

Cruz’s Stance on Free-Market Capitalism Challenged

Critics have accused Senator Cruz of hypocrisy regarding his stance on free-market capitalism. One user noted, “Suddenly, it seems like Cruz has a problem with free-market capitalism, which is quite the turnaround for him.” Another user agreed, saying, “In Texas, we know that Cruz only cares about himself and is the least informed politician.”

The ‘Woke’ Debate as a Political Distraction

Some believe the “woke” debate is a strategic move by the right to divert attention from their own shortcomings. A critic pointed out, “The entire ‘woke’ discussion seems like a tactic by the right to shift focus from their own inadequacies.” Similarly, another user said, “I bet he can’t even explain what woke is.”

Calls for Government Non-Interference in Free Market

Some voters have called for the government to stop intervening in the free market. One such opinion was, “Ted should keep the government out of the free market. No one is forcing these businesses to take any particular stance.” Others directly disagreed with Cruz, saying, “Who cares what Ted Cruz thinks?”