Dr. Phil McGraw, a household name in psychology and media, has recently been outspoken about what he views as problematic aspects of “woke” culture.

Despite his long-standing professional and personal connection to Oprah Winfrey, who played a pivotal role in launching his career, Dr. Phil has diverged sharply from her on issues of social justice and cultural sensitivity. This ideological split appears to be straining their relationship, highlighting the broader clash in public discourse surrounding woke culture, inclusivity, and free speech.

Initially, “woke” referred to an awareness of social inequalities and a sensitivity to the struggles of marginalized groups—a notion Dr. Phil agrees is positive in theory.

However, he believes that the term has become “weaponized” in recent years, used to silence debate and promote divisive narratives. He argues that certain social movements now prioritize inclusivity and diversity over merit and personal responsibility. Dr. Phil’s criticism extends to what he perceives as an overreach of cancel culture, suggesting that it stifles open dialogue and critical thinking, particularly on college campuses.

His concern is that younger generations are increasingly unwilling to engage with opposing viewpoints, instead choosing to “shout down” or cancel those they disagree with, rather than listen to or debate differing perspectives. Dr. Phil believes this attitude is detrimental to healthy societal discourse and will present challenges when these students enter the workforce, where competition and accountability are paramount.

Dr. Phil’s views starkly contrast with those of Oprah Winfrey, who has used her platform to support movements for social justice and combat systemic discrimination. She has hosted numerous discussions addressing issues like racial inequality, police brutality, and gender identity, bringing in influential voices like activist Ava DuVernay and politician Stacey Abrams.

Oprah has also shared her personal experiences with racial profiling, illustrating her commitment to raising awareness of these issues. Her stance aligns with progressive ideals and reflects her belief that America must confront and address its historical and systemic inequities.

The professional bond between Dr. Phil and Oprah began in the 1990s when she hired his legal consulting firm, Courtroom Sciences Inc., to help with a lawsuit she faced. Impressed by his expertise and demeanor, Oprah invited him as a recurring guest on her show to provide advice on relationships and mental health.

This exposure eventually led Oprah to help Dr. Phil launch his own show, “Dr. Phil,” in 2002 through her production company, Harpo Productions. The show’s success cemented Dr. Phil’s status as a television personality, and he has publicly credited Oprah for her role in his life, even writing her a personal thank-you letter every year for over 25 years.

However, their political and cultural divide is becoming increasingly apparent. While Oprah continues to champion inclusivity and uses her platform to address racial and social issues, Dr. Phil has voiced concerns about the effect of identity politics and the focus on inclusivity over traditional values like meritocracy.

He believes that some of these movements, driven by powerful media figures, create division and set unrealistic expectations that can lead to frustration among those who feel these ideals don’t align with their day-to-day realities.

Their differences underscore the evolving debate about “wokeness” in America, where balancing inclusivity, freedom of expression, and accountability is increasingly challenging. Dr. Phil’s critiques and Oprah’s activism reflect contrasting approaches to these issues, raising questions about the future of public discourse and how high-profile figures can shape or polarize cultural narratives.

Their relationship, once based on mutual respect and professional support, now stands as a microcosm of the broader debate over the role of “woke” culture in American society.