## FAQ

### Who are symbolic capitalists according to Musa al-Gharbi?
Symbolic capitalists are a subset of Americans who work in fields like human resources, education, finance, law, and media – essentially professions that do not provide physical goods and services.

### What is the central argument in “We Have Never Been Woke” by Musa al-Gharbi?
The book argues that the left-leaning knowledge workers in the 21st century who identify as anti-racist, feminist, and LGBTQ+ allies are actually benefiting from inequality in the U.S. They strive for social justice but fail to acknowledge how their beliefs conflict with other values they hold.

### How does credential inflation protect the status of symbolic capitalists?
Credential inflation is used within fields like journalism to maintain the status quo and exclude outsiders. For example, the high number of Ivy League graduates working in prestigious outlets like The New York Times can change how these professionals hold elites to account.

### What role does “woke” discourse play in advancing the interests of symbolic capitalists?
According to al-Gharbi, affluent professionals use “woke” discourse to morally justify their privilege and paint disadvantaged individuals as undeserving racists, sexists, and homophobes. This behavior can create an opening for political entrepreneurs, usually associated with the right.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, Musa al-Gharbi’s book “We Have Never Been Woke” sheds light on how symbolic capitalists, who are typically left-leaning knowledge workers, benefit from inequality in the U.S. The book challenges the perception of these individuals as anti-racist, feminist, and LGBTQ+ allies by highlighting the ways in which their positions and beliefs can perpetuate inequality. By understanding the cultural contradictions within this new elite, there is an opportunity to address and challenge systemic issues of inequality in society.