Join Stony Brook University journalism professor Musa al-Gharbi Tuesday, October 8, at the Charles B. Wang Center Lecture Hall 2 for an event exploring themes from his book, "We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite," published by Princeton University Press on October 8.

Learn more about the book in the The New York Times here: https://nyti.ms/4gorjj6

Pre-Order for the October 8 release: https://bit.ly/4d3rugT

The book takes a sharp look at what al-Gharbi calls “symbolic capitalists,” those who earn and maintain a livelihood largely on the basis of ideas, technical skills and social prestige, including journalists, academics, bureaucrats, consultants, artists and others.

Over the past half-century, symbolic capitalists have gained more power and influence than ever before. However, many social problems have grown worse rather than better over this same period – largely as a result of symbolic capitalists’ own behaviors and lifestyles – social justice commitments notwithstanding.

Al-Gharbi is unafraid to call out the contradictions and hypocrisy he sees in this new elite class’ vocal support of social justice and their actions to uphold the status quo. However, he is also clear that he counts himself among those he analyzes so closely and deeply, giving his analysis a compassionate, self-reflective tone.

A powerful critique, We Have Never Been Woke reveals that only by challenging this elite's self-serving narratives can we hope to address social and economic inequality effectively.

This event is free and open to the public.