In a fiery discussion on GB News, political commentator Matt Goodwin clashed with left-wing guest James Schneider, accusing him of ignoring the effects of “woke” ideologies in public life. Goodwin argued that these new ideas, especially around gender and identity, are creating problems for women, children, and families, while Schneider insisted these issues are being blown out of proportion.
The heated exchange began when Goodwin criticized the promotion of “radical gender ideologies” in schools and workplaces. He specifically called out policies that encourage or require people to state their pronouns in emails or school settings. Goodwin argued that such policies force people to support specific political beliefs, even if they disagree with them. “This isn’t just a small ‘culture war.’ It’s about protecting children and women’s rights, and people are tired of it,” he declared passionately.
Schneider, however, disagreed, suggesting that Goodwin’s argument made a big issue out of something that most people see as minor. He pointed to polls and surveys showing that economic concerns, like jobs and the cost of living, are what people care about most, not debates around gender or identity. Schneider called Goodwin’s concerns “fear-mongering” and argued that they only serve to divide people instead of uniting them.
Goodwin shot back, saying, “Your movement has gone nowhere because people are tired of being told what to think. They care about their country and their children, and they’re rejecting this woke agenda.” He argued that many recent elections, including Donald Trump’s win in the U.S., show that voters are pushing back against these progressive ideas.
Michelle Dewberry, another guest on the show, supported Goodwin’s stance. As a woman and mother, she voiced her concerns about how “woke” policies can affect everyday people. She stressed that it’s not just a “small issue” for many women and parents, who feel that gender policies might affect safety in places like single-sex bathrooms and changing rooms. Dewberry said, “This is about the safety of women and children. We deserve the right to single-sex spaces.”
Goodwin further argued that these changes in public institutions, such as schools and government offices, are not simply about inclusion. He believes they promote specific political ideas and force everyone to accept them without question. He gave examples of parents who feel uncomfortable with schools discussing gender identity with young children, calling it “radical” and “unscientific.”
Schneider maintained that this topic distracts people from more pressing issues like the economy and healthcare, and he called for a more balanced approach. However, Goodwin fired back, saying that the reason his political opponents are losing support is that they downplay these issues. “The left keeps saying this is just ‘culture war’ stuff, but people care deeply about protecting children and women’s rights,” he said.
