Van Jones: Workplace Activism Became ‘Ridiculous’
Former Obama advisor Van Jones has openly criticized the rise of woke activism in the workplace, calling it ‘ridiculous’ and urging a return to focusing on business and productivity. During a discussion on CNN, Jones admitted that while he once sympathized with activist initiatives, the current state of politicized corporate culture has become unsustainable. He highlighted the administrative burden of managing activist-driven crises at work, saying, ‘This is not camp, guys, we’re trying to make money.’
Joining the growing number of companies seeking to depoliticize their work environments, Jones supports the notion that the office should not be the public square. This sentiment was echoed by CNN host Abby Phillip, who noted that CEOs are making it clear that employees should ‘Check your politics and your activism at the door when you come to work.’ Phillip added that the influence of politics has permeated nearly every aspect of society, arguing that employers now prioritize professional work over personal politics.
Jones, who once engaged in progressive activism, now acknowledges that the environment has gone too far. He admitted, ‘This is not going to make me popular, but I’m not mad [about the change], because it got ridiculous.’ He emphasized that while he once supported the movement for ‘reckoning’ on societal issues, the current state has led to a point of no return. ‘We went from reckoning to wrecked. We need to move on,’ he stated, prompting laughter from the audience.
Other participants in the discussion, including CNN global affairs commentator Sabrina Singh, echoed Jones’ sentiments, asserting that political activism should remain a personal endeavor. Singh stated, ‘I think what you do in your own free time, whether you want to participate in political activism or whatever it is, whatever cause you take up, I think you have to do that on your own time.’ Republican strategist Lance Trover noted the rare bipartisan agreement on the issue, quipping, ‘Welcome to the real world, Gen-Z wokesters.’
The discussion has sparked broader conversations about the role of activism in corporate culture, with many companies now reconsidering their approaches to DEI initiatives and social responsibility efforts in favor of a more pragmatic business focus. As discussions continue, the push for depoliticization in the workplace appears to be gaining momentum, signaling a shift in the corporate landscape.