The intrusion of fundamentally anti-conservative ideas into American conservatism is connected to the rise of illiberalism on the left. For over a decade now, “wokeism” has produced authoritarian groupthink — genuine cancel culture — in universities, in journalism, in law and business firms, in medical education and practice, and in the public square as a whole. Decent and honorable people lost educational and professional opportunities, jobs, careers, financial stability and reputations when left-wing outrage mobs came for them. Illiberalism laid the groundwork for the “groyper” backlash now in full swing.
Still, the reality is that although these bigots are an extremely noisy online presence, most conservatives, including plenty of young conservative men, still embrace what Abraham Lincoln called the “ancient faith” — the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. By embracing these principles, conservatism can meet today’s political, cultural and economic challenges.
The “groypers” who are attempting to bring their toxic ideas into the conservative movement and remake conservatism in their image ought to be met with reasoned, principled responses. Conservative leaders and institutions must not pander to them or play footsie with them. We must, in the name of our ancient faith, draw the bright line.