Through critical theory (a social theory focusing on critiquing and changing society), Horkheimer "attempted to revitalize radical social, and cultural criticism" and discussed authoritarianism, militarism, economic disruption, environmental crisis and the poverty of mass culture. Horkheimer helped to create Critical Theory through a mix of radical and conservative lenses that stem from radical Marxism and end up in "pessimistic Jewish transcendentalism".[5] Horkheimer developed his critical theory by examining his own wealth while witnessing the juxtaposition of the bourgeois and the impoverished. This critical theory embraced the future possibilities of society and was preoccupied with forces which moved society toward rational institutions that would ensure a true, free, and just life.[18] He was convinced of the need to "examine the entire material and spiritual culture of mankind"[5] in order to transform society as a whole. Horkheimer sought to enable the working class to reclaim their power in order to resist the lure of fascism. Horkheimer stated himself that "the rationally organized society that regulates its own existence" was necessary along with a society that could "satisfy common needs".[5] To satisfy these needs, it would need to engage with the social conditions within which people lived (that is what being “woke” is all about and in which their concepts and actions were formed. It reached out for a total understanding of history and knowledge. Through this, critical theory develops a "critique of bourgeois society through which 'ideology critique' attempted to locate the 'utopian content' of dominant systems of thought". Above all, critical theory sought to develop perspective in the discussion of all social practices.
The reason some people are pissed with the woke movement stems from all the talk about reparations. People never want to pay, and they don’t want to pay for past injustices, and although I see the logic in reparations it inevitably gets everything twisted. Throwing good money after bad doesn’t help and makes the racists more bitter and entrenched. Society have to change, the social conditions and lack of opportunity has to change. That’s the hard part. Throwing money at something is from the white man and colonial mindset. Can’t fix nothin’ if the rules stay broken.
Peace