Quick Hit:

In an op-ed for Washington Examiner, Hugo Gurdon argues that the tide is turning against cultural relativism, with conservative leaders like Kemi Badenoch challenging the left's multicultural agenda.

Key Details:

• Hugo Gurdon highlights an interview with Kemi Badenoch, where she boldly stated that not all cultures are equal.

• Badenoch's unapologetic defense of Western values is seen as a pivotal moment in the culture wars.

• Gurdon links the resurgence of confidence in Western civilization to a growing rejection of multiculturalism's excesses.

Diving Deeper:

In his latest Washington Examiner op-ed, Hugo Gurdon argues that Western civilization may be experiencing a pivotal shift in the ongoing culture wars. Gurdon frames this turning point around Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Member of Parliament in the UK, who recently made headlines for challenging the left's long-held stance on multicultural relativism.

In a BBC interview, Badenoch was asked about her recent article where she declared that not all cultures are "valid." The interviewer, attempting to trap Badenoch, asked which cultures she deemed less valid. Gurdon applauds Badenoch's response, where she unflinchingly replied, "Oh, lots. Cultures that believe in child marriage, for instance, or that women don’t have equal rights." Badenoch further emphasized her commitment to Western values, stating, "I don’t believe in cultural relativism. I believe in Western values, the principles which have made this country great."

According to Gurdon, this moment reflects a larger inflection point in the culture wars, where conservative leaders are now openly questioning the once-dominant multicultural narrative. He points out that the left's "doctrinaire adherence to relativism" contradicts their self-described label as "progressives." If all cultures are equal, he asks, how can they claim to advance progress?

Gurdon also notes the tactical nature of the interview, suggesting that the BBC sought to push Badenoch into making a controversial statement that could be clipped and used to smear her. Instead, Badenoch "deftly identified the BBC as clinging to a tired and false narrative," further calling out the interviewer for attempting a "gotcha" moment by insinuating she was targeting Muslims.

The op-ed goes on to link this growing rejection of multiculturalism to recent events, particularly the violent pro-Palestinian protests following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. Gurdon argues that such displays of support for extremism have exposed the inherent contradictions in the left's multicultural agenda, forcing ordinary citizens to re-evaluate the value of Western civilization.

In closing, Gurdon draws an analogy to the famous confrontation between British General Sir Charles Napier and Indian customs in the 19th century, using it as a reminder that Western civilization once unapologetically defended its principles. He calls for today’s politicians to seize the moment, as Badenoch has, and stand firm in defense of the values that have made Western society successful.

Gurdon believes that the tide is finally turning, with Badenoch's defiant stance serving as a symbol of the renewed confidence in Western civilization. He concludes, “Politicians must seize this moment unembarrassedly to represent the mass of people who understand that some cultures are less equal than others, and ours is eminently worth preserving.”