Summarised by Centrist
Columnist Lauren Smith writes that, unlike past civil rights movements, contemporary causes—from transgender rights to extreme climate policies—enjoy robust state support.
She calls them “astroturfed” and “pet causes of an elite.”
“They are top-down impositions, shoved down the throats of the long-suffering public,” she writes.
“Take Pride, for instance,” says Smith.
Early gay rights activists faced significant hostility. In contrast, today’s Pride events, which now include trans and broader LGBTQ+ rights, are state supported.
In Scotland, police officers are encouraged to attend Pride parades as part of their official duties and are even compensated for it. These officers aren’t required to police the event—they are simply there to show support, earning either regular pay or a day off.
Attending Pride is prioritised over addressing crime. Police Scotland is stretched thin and opts to overlook minor crimes due to limited resources.
Also, UK Sport, a government agency, trains athletes to become social activists. Programs like ChangeMaker and Powered by Purpose encourage athletes to advocate for issues such as sustainability and gender rights.
These campaigns focus narrowly on certain woke issues. Their prominence isn’t driven by grassroots demand but by top-down elite agendas.
“Ordinary people are absolutely right to bristle at all this astroturfed politics,” she notes.
