Abstract

Our last essay in this course was the Visual Essay, and with this essay, we were supposed to create a visual with pictures or even music in order to examine a social, cultural, or political phenomenon. For this essay, I chose to explore the rise of conservatism and the end of “wokeness.” I mentioned trad wives, the deeper meaning behind the “I’m Just a Girl” TikTok trend, and current legislation against wokeness, such as the Florida ‘Stop Woke Act’.

“The Rise of Conservatism and the Decline of Wokeness” Artist Statement

My visual essay explores the rise of conservatism among Gen Z and the growing backlash against what is often labeled as “wokeness,” particularly as it appears through social media aesthetics and influencers. I was interested not just in political ideology, but in how conservatism is being repackaged visually and emotionally in ways that feel approachable, nostalgic, and even comforting. My creative choices were intentional in highlighting how these messages circulate subtly through images, trends, and lifestyle branding rather than through traditional political messaging.

One of the main visual strategies I used was juxtaposition. I paired soft imagery, such as domestic scenes and influencer-style content, with clearer political language or implications. This reflects what Newsweek describes as the “conservative aesthetic,” where figures like Nara Smith present traditional gender roles and domestic femininity in a way that feels aspirational rather than ideological (McFall). By using visuals that mirror TikTok and Instagram trends, my presentation emphasizes how political values are increasingly communicated through lifestyle content, blurring the line between personal choice and political influence.

My work is grounded in the broader social context of media literacy and algorithmic influence. According to Andrews University’s article on media literacy, young people are often exposed to political messaging without fully realizing it, especially when it comes through entertainment or influencer culture (Ayala Rios). This directly informed my decision to structure the visual essay in a way that mimics a social media feed. The scrolling format is meant to feel familiar and passive, encouraging viewers to reflect on how easily ideas can be absorbed without critical engagement. Rather than presenting a clear argument upfront, I wanted the realization to unfold gradually, mirroring how algorithms slowly shape beliefs over time.

Another important influence on my project was the role of online communities, especially male-dominated spaces like gaming platforms and forums. The Conversation explains how the “manosphere” spreads through influencers and recommendation systems, often introducing young users to increasingly extreme content under the guise of humor, self-improvement, or rebellion (Heritage and Sugiura). While my project does not focus solely on masculinity, this research helped me understand how conservatism gains traction by framing itself as a countercultural response to progressive norms. Visually, I reflected this by incorporating imagery associated with irony and memes, which are common entry points into these spaces. 

The Guardian’s analysis of the anti-woke movement in the U.S. also shaped my approach by highlighting how “wokeness” has become a vague but powerful term used to unify different conservative grievances (Harriot). In my work, I intentionally left some imagery open-ended to reflect this ambiguity. Instead of defining “woke” explicitly, the visuals suggest how the term is used emotionally, as something excessive, restrictive, or even inauthentic. This choice was meant to critique how complex social justice issues are flattened into aesthetic and cultural symbols that are easier to reject.

My intention with this project was not to shame or stereotype Gen Z conservatives, but to encourage critical thinking about how beliefs are formed in digital spaces. As The Hilltop notes, social media plays a major role in the rise of conservatism among young people, not necessarily through facts or policy, but through identity, community, and aesthetics (Cameron). By using visual storytelling, I wanted to show how design itself can be political, shaping what feels “normal,” or “authentic.”

Overall, this project allowed me to explore how visual design can function as both a tool of persuasion and a method of critique. Through research-based analysis and intentional creative choices, my work examines how conservatism is communicated not just through arguments but through images that resonate emotionally. By slowing down and reframing these visuals, I hope viewers become more aware of the power media has in shaping cultural and political narratives and are more thoughtful about the content they consume every day.

Works Cited

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Link to Visual Essay

https://prezi.com/view/WqjOU0RvU7vCGh9iYtCN/?referral_token=XqNB7wlnB3FN