‘Dark woke’ is the internet’s answer to Trump-style politics

The concept of "dark woke" has emerged on the internet, urging liberals to adopt a more aggressive and confrontational approach to politics. This trend is seen as a response to Donald Trump's reelection as US president and the perceived need for the left to "toughen up" and abandon its moral high ground. The term "dark woke" is being used to describe actions and statements that are provocative, offensive, or divisive, often in a way that mirrors the tactics of the right. Examples of "dark woke" behavior include vandalizing a Cybertruck and using slurs or insults against political opponents. Even some elected Democrats, such as California Representative Robert Garcia, are experimenting with this approach. The trend is seen as an evolution of the "dirtbag left" movement, which emerged during Trump's first term and involved young progressives using humor and ridicule to attack their enemies. Some argue that "dark woke" is necessary because liberals have been too polite and ineffective in their opposition to the right. However, others see "dark woke" as simply adopting conservative tactics and using slurs, while pretending to be progressive. The rise of "dark woke" reflects a broader shift towards more aggressive and divisive politics, which was pioneered by Trump's campaign strategy. It remains to be seen whether "dark woke" will become a significant force in politics or remain a fringe phenomenon.