I think the evidence is overwhelmingly to the contrary. Much has changed in the world. For example, looking at some recent issues: Major cities are handling policing much differently; discrimination against women is now toxic to careers; the US Congress has now made lynching a crime and is removing Confederate names from the military. District attorneys in cities have been transformed. Major news media now reports differetly on race than just a few years ago.

It's common rhetoric, going way back, to dismiss progressives as powerless, but what people see today as the norm or conservative is what progressives achieved in prior generations. If you're a 'chick' (based on your username), you don't have to live with a male family member and get their permission for everything, can get a full education, be financially independent, can have intimate relations and dress (mostly) how you please without being ostracized, can have careers beyond nursing and teaching, etc. When people woke up and made those changes, years ago, they got the same response as today.

But why is it so urgent to shut them down? What is so threatening? What a waste of time - time would be much better spent achieving something ourselves. So much needs to be done.