Opposition leader Peter Dutton has sparked a heated debate about the growing frustration among young men who feel ostracised and treated like ogres.
In a recent interview on Mark Bouris’ Straight Talk podcast, Dutton argued that these men are “fed up” with being overlooked for jobs and opportunities due to affirmative action policies.
The Decline of Wokeism: A Global Phenomenon?
Dutton believes that the pushback against “woke” practices is gaining momentum worldwide, and the election of Donald Trump as US President has accelerated this trend. Trump’s administration has already taken steps to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives, with one of his first executive orders directing government officials to cease all programs related to diversity, equality, and inclusion.
What’s Driving the Pushback?
So, what’s behind this growing frustration among young men? According to Dutton, it’s the feeling of being disenfranchised and ostracised.
“They’re saying, ‘I have nothing but respect for women, and I would never treat my female friends differently than my male friends,'” he said. ”
But I’m being told that I’m some sort of ogre, or I have some belief structure which is true to that, which I know is not what I hold in my heart.”
Many men feel that they’re being unfairly judged and overlooked for opportunities, simply because of their gender.
The End of Diversity Policy in Government Departments
Trump’s decision to axe government diversity policy has sparked controversy and debate. Dutton, however, believes that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of gender or race.
He points to the outcome of the Australian referendum on The Voice as evidence that “wokeism” is in decline in Australia.
Speaking Out Against Woke Culture
Dutton argues that the result of The Voice referendum has given people the courage to speak out against woke culture.
“I think most Australians have moved on, and I also think that The Voice allowed people to say, ‘thank goodness, I thought I was the only one who thought this wasn’t necessary,'” he said.
“It’s allowed people to feel more inclined to speak out and say what they really think.”
The Rise of Opposition to Diversity Initiatives
According to the Diversity Council of Australia, opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives has doubled from 2019 to 2023, with fewer than 10% of Australian workers opposing them.
Dutton, however, is critical of CEOs who refuse to speak out on important issues, instead supporting woke causes to boost their online popularity.
CEOs: Speak Out or Stay Silent?
Dutton slammed CEOs of publicly listed companies who are too afraid to speak out on important issues.
“A generation ago, CEOs felt an obligation to be on the front page of The Fin advocating for tax change or industrial relations reform,” he said.
“Now, they only feel that they can comment on issues that their marketing people tell them will get them greater popularity online.”
Dutton believes that this level of weakness doesn’t serve the country’s best interests.