The release of “On His Majesty’s Secret Service,” a new James Bond novel by Charlie Higson, has ignited a storm of controversy. Critics argue that it introduces “woke” political messaging by portraying the spy protagonist against an anti-trans, Trump-associated villain.
The Book Celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III
The novel, authorized by Ian Fleming Publications, aimed to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
Infusion of “Woke” Political Messaging
However, critics argue that it taints the iconic franchise with a perceived infusion of “woke” political messaging.
An International Conspiracy
The novel’s plot revolves around an international conspiracy against King Charles III, with the renowned spy tasked with protecting him.
Right-Wing Populist Villain
In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Ross Douthat accused the novel of portraying a progressive Bond pitted against a supervillain named Aethelstan of Wessex, who is described as a “Brexiteer” and “right-wing populist.”
Bond’s Character
He noted that Bond, known for being a lady’s man, is in a romantic “situation” with an immigration lawyer he permits to sleep with other men.
American-Style Wokeness
Douthat criticized the novel as another example of “American-style wokeness” infiltrating culturally.
Pandering Far-Left Politics
The Babylon Bee, a satirical humor website, mocked the book for allegedly pandering to far-left cultural politics.
Villain’s Character
UK politician David Kurten also shared an excerpt from the novel in a tweet that described the villain as “famous for promoting COVID/vaccines/mask-wearing/5G conspiracy theories, which had spilled over into the usual anti-immigrant, anti-EU, anti-BBC, anti-MSM, anti-cultural Marxist, Climate Change Denial pronouncements.”
The Novel Is Awful
Niall Gooch, in a review for The Spectator, referred to the novel as “awful” and suggested that the main villain appears to be a reference to Nigel Farage, a prominent Brexit proponent and former UKIP leader.
Those Who Oppose Wokeness Are the Villains
Editor of Bounding into Comics, John F. Trent summarized the novel as depicting “White men who oppose wokeness as the villains.”
Big Woke Conspiracy
He quoted an excerpt from the book which read, “How global warming was a con, and sooner or later came round to the Big Woke Conspiracy, Black Lives Matter, the Great Replacement, and what are we going to do about the Muslims?”
Bond Villains Are Conservative Political Leaders
In a podcast interview on “The Bond Experience,” Higson discussed his book and argued that the real contemporary counterparts to Bond villains are conservative political leaders and their supporters.
Trump Was an Example
Higson pointed to the UK’s “conservative government” as an example of such destabilizing forces, along with former President Trump’s administration in the United States.
“The Spy Who Bored Me”
Several social media users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One Twitter user wrote, “James Bond becomes a feminist and goes to every Bond girl apologizing for having slept with her and leaving. “The Spy Who Bored Me””
Woke Nonsense
Another user wrote, “More modern woke nonsense. When will this ever stop?”
A third user added, “James Bond will have the same treatment as Bud Light Beer. It’s a pity but inexorable. Normal people matter. Nature is always right.”
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The post “Modern Woke Nonsense”: Latest James Bond Novel Slammed for Anti-trans, Trump-Associated Villain. Has ‘Woke’ Messaging Gone Too Far? first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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Source: Fox News
