John McWhorter

@JohnHMcWhorter

Linguist at Columbia, twice weekly at the NYT, biweekly my Lexicon Valley podcast and Glenn Show talks. 9 NASTY WORDS was May, WOKE RACISM is now.

Joined March 2013
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  1. 7 hours ago

    Back from two weeks' time off, my latest NYT column. This one is on language pet peeves. I have them too, for the record - but the chances of mine or anyone else's ever standing the test of time are distinctly slim.

    7 replies 6 retweets 70 likes
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  2. 30 Dec 2021

    This BANISHED episode with is an overdue deep-dive into the controversy over "Baby, It's Cold Outside."

    6 replies 8 retweets 55 likes
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  3. 27 Dec 2021

    All about words this past weird year at Persuasion.

    11 replies 16 retweets 106 likes
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  4. 25 Dec 2021

    Try a survey on what you'd like in a Mini-Course on Constructive Engagement being created by Prof. Ilana Redstone!

    6 replies 11 retweets 43 likes
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  5. 22 Dec 2021

    This time we talked about everything. Affirmative Action. Jussie. "Culture." Me on The View. Why immigrants come here if systemic racism is ... you get it. If only one talk between us survived, I wouldn't mind if it were this one.

    28 replies 76 retweets 457 likes
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  6. 22 Dec 2021

    Banishing tests of abstract cognitive skill is often thought of as social justice. But suppose it won't lead to any? Listen here.

    0:41
    . says it will extend its test-optional admissions policy for 4 more years. But will this further equity and social justice? On today's Banished, argues that the advantages held by affluent students will remain untouched. HEAR MORE:
    12 replies 32 retweets 159 likes
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  7. 21 Dec 2021

    I liked this, on Woke Racism and more ...

    6 replies 10 retweets 71 likes
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  8. 21 Dec 2021

    More of my talk with . This talk got across what the book is about very neatly, I thought -- it was officially the last interview of the book tour and a great way to cap off the season.

    2:19
    Now on Columbia professor talks his new book ‘Woke Racism,’ which depicts as contradictory some of the arguments used by those who present themselves as combating racism. John himself argues for ending the war on drugs and other measures.
    Show this thread
    27 replies 86 retweets 600 likes
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  9. 20 Dec 2021

    Me and . I detect a bit of Twittering to the effect that this is a conversation between "conservatives" or people somehow kowtowing to whites in power - as if any opinion a leftist finds unwelcome is "conservative." I see ...

    2:16
    Now on Columbia professor talks his new book ‘Woke Racism,’ why people find battling power differentials such an attractive belief system - and why it’s actually holding back progress on solving the real problems.
    42 replies 74 retweets 702 likes
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  10. 18 Dec 2021

    Many might think I'm battling the old idea that the Great Books are no good because they were written by white men. Not in this one. There's a fine new celebration of the classics and a (race-neutral) takedown of it. I find it strange, and respond.

    28 replies 55 retweets 355 likes
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  11. 15 Dec 2021

    I'm honored to be on this list in the Art of the Essay category for NINE NASTY WORDS. I guess that book IS an essay!

    0:12
    Juried by panels of esteemed, award-winning writers, editors, translators & critics, the 2022 Longlists recognize dynamic, diverse & thought-provoking examples of literary excellence. Congratulations to all of our longlisters! Learn more: .
    Show this thread
    3 replies 6 retweets 120 likes
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  12. 14 Dec 2021

    Porgy and Bess is not weird, a detour, a question. It's God (whoops) -- exactly what American opera should be. I discuss here. Btw, what's God is Angel Blue who sings the hell out of Bess in the Met production.

    7 replies 11 retweets 148 likes
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  13. 14 Dec 2021

    Omicron ... gets me thinking about how letters get their names, and why C is such a nightmare when you're learning to read as my youngest is, and obscure show tunes, too, of course.

    9 replies 12 retweets 106 likes
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  14. 13 Dec 2021

    In WOKE RACISM (and beyond) I stress that poor black kids are too often not taught to read properly. Bravo here to David Banks and Eric Adams: this could be big.

    61 replies 152 retweets 873 likes
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  15. 10 Dec 2021

    A major theme of the inevitable pushback against my WOKE RACISM is that censorship from the right is worse. I'm not sure whether the comparison is useful, but here is an Amnagram from on clueless book banning.

    0:53
    Why is a 2015 book about segregation suddenly being banned throughout Texas? This week on Banished, talks to about her young adult novel "Out of Darkness," and the rise in concerted efforts to censor certain literature.
    40 replies 18 retweets 134 likes
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  16. 9 Dec 2021

    Flattered!

    Congratulations to for making the 2021 Non-Obvious Book Awards Longlist! See the full list at and watch the LIVE announcement of winners on 12/15 at noon EST -
    9 replies 10 retweets 185 likes
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  17. 4 Dec 2021

    GOOD talk with on, especially, whether we can really call the new wokeness a religion.

    37 replies 56 retweets 308 likes
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  18. 2 Dec 2021

    This is big. I love remastered things!

    10 remastered episodes of with the original hosts! Don’t miss this fabulous offering. Sign up & become a paying subscriber for this, ’s new episodes of LV, ’s Bully Pulpit & my Banished! Together we are going places so hop on for the ride.
    3 replies 3 retweets 58 likes
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  19. 2 Dec 2021

    More people should know about what is doing. Read about one of the latest Forbes 30 Under 30s here!

    Join us in congratulating PFAD Co-Chair of on his recognition in this year's 30 Under 30!
    1 reply 4 retweets 26 likes
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  20. 2 Dec 2021

    This is dropping. It switches between all of us. I was honored to be included.

    58 replies 47 retweets 374 likes
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