Derangement is one of Douglas Murray’s keywords in his study of social justice activism, identity group politics, and intersectionality. Of intersectionality, currently the presiding principle for campus progressives, he remarks that “it is a system that is not just unworkable but dementing, making demands that are impossible towards ends that are unachievable.” (3) This sound judgment could be applied equally well to various other progressive shibboleths—to “cultural appropriation,” for example, a related concept shot through with contradictions and double standards, infused with a spirit of bitterness, and generative of impossible demands. Those who try to refashion society upon such terms seem rationally challenged, and there is often a serious moral “derangement” as well. Nonetheless Murray maintains a spirit of measured analysis rather than opting for fiery polemic. For each bald criticism, there seem to be a dozen probing and pointed
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