Chris Rock says ‘wokeness’ has created a less forgiving world

Chris Rock has criticised what he calls “wokeness”, arguing that the movement has contributed to a less forgiving society while acknowledging its role in giving marginalised people a voice.

The comedian made the comments during an interview with David Marchese for The New York Times podcast The Interview. The discussion centred on forgiveness, which is also a major theme of Rock’s upcoming film Misty Green.

Rock said he supports advocacy for people who feel marginalised but believes it should be accompanied by forgiveness. He compared the current cultural climate with the Old Testament, saying, “We’re in the Old Testament right now,” while arguing that forgiveness is missing from the approach he was describing.

When Marchese asked about the post George Floyd period, described during the conversation as the “Woke 1.0” era, Rock maintained that helping people who need support is valuable. His criticism, he explained, begins when those ideas become institutionalised.

Rock used the Salem witch trials as an analogy for what he sees as the dangers of institutionalisation. He suggested that once an organisation is created around identifying wrongdoing, there can be pressure to keep producing targets to justify its existence.

The comedian also discussed forgiveness through the lens of friendship. He argued that remaining loyal to someone only when they behave well does not represent genuine friendship, while stressing that forgiveness does not mean accepting abusive behaviour. He said friends can still be reprimanded when they cross a line.

Rock’s comments come as he promotes Misty Green, which he wrote, directed and stars in. The film centres on an ageing actress attempting to revive her career in Hollywood and marks his return to directing following Top Five.

His remarks have prompted discussion online, with reactions ranging from support for his emphasis on forgiveness to criticism of his characterisation of contemporary social justice movements.