David Mamet on "The Disenlightenment," Wokeism, and the State of America

The "Disenlightenment" and Wokeism

• 💡 David Mamet defines "disenlightenment" as a homage to the horror and tragedy of wokeism, which he sees as chasing the enlightenment down a destructive path.
• 🎯 He critiques wokeism's emphasis on individual identity markers and its Marxist-rooted binary of victimizer and victim.
• 🔑 Mamet identifies a unifying common denominator among disparate progressive causes: a hatred of the "white male capitalist western idea."

The "Open City" Analogy for American Society

• 🏙️ Mamet uses the analogy of an "open city" (like Paris in 1944 or Naples in 1943-44) to describe a civilization in a state of power vacuum, where various factions pursue their own agendas.
• ⚡ He argues that the current state of affairs, particularly during the Biden administration, is characterized by an absence of overriding power, leading to looting and score-settling among groups.
• ⚠️ The resistance to unifying power, like that of Trump, is seen as enabling this fragmentation and the pursuit of individual gain.

Critiques of Higher Education and Institutions

• 🎓 Mamet likens universities to a "scam" and a "diploma mill," competing to offer inducements rather than rigorous education.
• 📉 He notes the decline in standards, the emphasis on "reparations admissions," and the faculty's reluctance to uphold academic rigor due to DEI pressures.
• 🚫 The perceived institutionalization of anti-Semitism at Stanford and the lenient treatment of students involved in pro-Hamas activities are highlighted as examples of systemic breakdown.

The State of California and Political Pessimism

• 📉 Mamet expresses deep pessimism about California, citing issues like homelessness, empty commercial spaces, dysfunctional infrastructure (high-speed rail), and the impact of radical environmentalism and DEI policies.
• 🚗 He contrasts the high cost of gas in California with other states, attributing it to policies that ignore the needs of ordinary citizens.
• ✈️ Many talented individuals are leaving California for more functional states, contributing to a sense of decline and "decivilization."

Elon Musk and the Future

• 🚀 Mamet views Elon Musk as a "Renaissance guy" who has revolutionized multiple fields, including electric vehicles, internet access (Starlink), and space exploration.
• 💡 He contrasts Musk's achievements with the left's criticisms, suggesting a hatred of talent and success.
• 🇺🇸 Mamet also praises Trump for his focus on the human tragedy of conflicts like Ukraine and his use of the pronoun "our" when speaking to American workers and farmers.