The Decline of Western Culture: Is It Real?

Is Western culture under attack? Are its traditions and achievements being systematically undermined?

In his book The War on the West, Douglas Murray explores these questions and more. He examines the decline of Western culture, arguing that there's a concerted effort to discredit and dismantle Western values and institutions.

Keep reading to discover Murray's perspective on this controversial topic and the evidence he presents to support his claims.

The Decline of Western Culture: A Critical Examination

Reframing Race and History

In recent years, there's been a significant shift in how we view Western culture and its achievements, with many observers pointing to a perceived decline of Western culture. Critical Race Theory (CRT) has emerged as a powerful force, reshaping our understanding of racial issues and Western civilization's history, contributing to this ongoing debate about the state of Western traditions and values.

CRT proposes that racism is rooted in power structures rather than individual prejudice. This perspective suggests that only white people can be racist due to their societal power. It's also led to a redefinition of concepts like "equality" and "justice," with many institutions adopting new viewpoints focused on eliminating deep-seated racial bias.

You might have noticed this ideology spreading across various sectors, including education, religious groups, and even military training. It's become the primary lens through which many interpret societal issues.

Challenging Western Identity

This new narrative paints Western societies as inherently and irredeemably racist. The death of George Floyd, for instance, is seen as a reflection of broader, ingrained racial problems.

Books like Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility suggest that there's an intrinsic endorsement of racism within white American society. This discourse even treats racial minorities who support Western values as betrayers of their race.

These claims of entrenched racial bias are being used to question the credibility of Western countries' institutional frameworks. From the armed forces to religious communities, accusations of racial prejudice are creating discord and demoralizing Western populations.

Rewriting American History

The 1619 Project has sparked considerable debate by proposing that America's true beginning was in 1619, not 1776. Critics argue that this viewpoint fails to acknowledge the core principles and achievements of the American Revolution.

There are concerns that this project distorts historical facts to fit a political narrative. Scholars have questioned claims like "America only became a true democracy when African Americans ensured its transformation," scrutinizing their potential bias and truthfulness.

Reassessing Historical Figures

Western societies are now judging historical figures by today's ethical standards. This has led to criticism of prominent individuals like Winston Churchill for alleged racial biases and Thomas Jefferson for not condemning racism according to modern moral benchmarks.

Critics argue that this approach is unfair as it overlooks the distinct historical circumstances of these individuals' time periods. There's a tendency to focus on the flaws of historical figures without recognizing their positive contributions.

For example, the controversies surrounding Churchill's memorial often overshadow his pivotal role in defeating fascism during World War II. Similarly, philosophers like Aristotle and Voltaire face criticism for their connections to racial ideologies or the slave trade, despite their significant contributions to philosophy and literature.

Questioning Western Values

The Judeo-Christian tradition, a core pillar of Western culture, is under thorough scrutiny. Even the Archbishop of Canterbury has apologized on behalf of the Church of England, acknowledging systemic racism within the institution.

The Enlightenment period, once celebrated for its contributions to governance, scientific discovery, and artistic innovation, is now being reevaluated. Core principles like logical reasoning, independence, and inherent rights are increasingly seen as mechanisms that perpetuate racial prejudice.

Western philosophy and religion are being examined through the lens of "whiteness." Institutions, including public schools, are attributing characteristics like punctuality, logical reasoning, and impartiality to what they consider indicative of whiteness.

Challenging Western Academic Traditions

Universities are facing pressure to "decolonize" their curricula, moving away from a predominantly Western focus. This trend extends beyond curricula to representations and symbolism in academic spaces, with demands for the removal of statues and a comprehensive assessment of historical connections to past injustices.

For instance, the University of Leicester has expanded its academic scope to include a wider array of cultural narratives, shifting from an earlier focus on medieval literature.

Reevaluating Western Art and Culture

Western art, music, and literature are being scrutinized for alleged associations with colonialism and past wrongdoings. Even countries without an imperial history, like the United States, face criticism, suggesting that the issue for critics may lie with the collective ethos traditionally linked to Europe.

Edward Said's groundbreaking book Orientalism has been instrumental in advancing the recognition that Western views of non-Western cultures often carry biases. This concept is foundational to many modern critical debates.

There are calls for the removal or destruction of cultural monuments and historical artifacts. The Church of England has suggested removing potentially offensive statues to foster a more welcoming atmosphere. Monuments dedicated to historical leaders have been knocked down or vandalized, affecting Confederate statues, as well as those commemorating Union leaders and other prominent figures in the U.S.

Questioning Western Customs and Practices

Even everyday customs and practices prevalent in Western cultures are being reevaluated. Kew Gardens is scrutinizing its past associations with colonialism, and tasks as mundane as maintaining lawns are being reassessed for their connections to a colonial past.

The concept of "civilization" itself is under greater scrutiny, and characteristics of Western identity that were previously commended are now often viewed with discomfort. Cultural institutions like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Academy of Music are reassessing their fundamental principles and collections, acknowledging the importance of eliminating colonial impacts.

In educational environments, there's increasing scrutiny of the emphasis on "Western culture," leading to a reassessment of traditional curricula and canonical works. The value of Shakespeare's literary contributions is frequently debated, Homer's The Odyssey faces bans in certain schools, and even the art of music composition is scrutinized for representing colonialist ideals.

This widespread reassessment of Western achievements and traditions indicates a deep shift in how society perceives and engages with its historical narrative. It's clear that Western societies are undergoing a significant transformation, requiring a complete reevaluation of what defines their cultural identity.