What Does It Really Mean to Be “Woke”?The Evolution of a Powerful Term
Few words in recent years have sparked as much discussion, misunderstanding, and outright controversy as woke. Depending on who you ask, the term can carry connotations of social justice awareness, progressive activism, or, for some, a vaguely defined cultural enemy. But what does it actually mean? And why has it become such a flashpoint in political and cultural discourse?
The term woke originally emerged from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), with early usages dating back to the 20th century. It gained mainstream recognition in the 2010s, particularly after the rise of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In its simplest and most positive form, woke refers to being aware of social injustices and systemic inequalities. It signifies an ongoing commitment to understanding issues like racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.
However, in today’s highly politicized climate, woke has been weaponized by different groups, leading to confusion and fear surrounding its meaning.
What "Woke" Is and Is Not
What It Is
Awareness of Social Inequality – At its core, being woke means recognizing that social structures and institutions can be unjust and that marginalized communities often face systemic barriers.
Commitment to Learning – Wokeness isn't about claiming moral superiority; it’s about ongoing education and self-awareness regarding issues of discrimination and privilege.
Advocacy for Change – Woke individuals often advocate for policies and cultural shifts that aim to address disparities in race, gender, class, and other identities.
Empathy and Solidarity – At its best, wokeness fosters empathy for people with different experiences and perspectives.
What It Is Not
A Cult or Radical Ideology – Some critics portray wokeness as a form of radical extremism, but in reality, it is rooted in long-standing social justice principles.
A Call to Censor Free Speech – While conversations about accountability and responsible discourse are part of woke culture, it is not synonymous with suppressing free speech.
An Attack on Tradition – Many traditional values coexist with social progress. Being woke does not mean rejecting family, faith, or history—it means critically evaluating harmful systems within them.
A Political Party – Though often associated with left-leaning movements, wokeness is not tied to any single political entity. Even conservatives have historically fought for social justice causes (e.g., Abraham Lincoln’s role in ending slavery).
Why Some People Fear "Wokeness"
The backlash against wokeness stems from several overlapping concerns, some legitimate and others driven by misinformation.
Fear of Change – Social movements that push for equity often challenge long-standing norms, and change can feel threatening to those accustomed to the status quo.
Misrepresentation in Media – Right-wing commentators often depict wokeness as a form of authoritarianism or social engineering, reinforcing fear-based narratives (DiAngelo, 2018).
Economic and Political Agendas – Some political leaders use wokeness as a scapegoat to rally their base, blaming it for economic downturns, cultural shifts, and policy changes.
Fear of Being "Canceled" – Many opponents of wokeness argue that it leads to excessive political correctness, where individuals fear social repercussions for expressing controversial views (Williams, 2021).
Who Is Most Drawn to Wokeness?
Historically, younger generations and marginalized groups have been at the forefront of social awareness movements. According to a 2023 Pew Research study, Millennials and Gen Z are the most likely to support policies that promote racial and gender equality (Pew Research Center, 2023). These generations have grown up in a digital world where information about systemic oppression is widely accessible, fostering a greater inclination toward social consciousness.
Additionally, groups that have historically faced discrimination—such as Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities—often embrace wokeness because they have firsthand experience with the systemic barriers it seeks to address. That said, people from all backgrounds can adopt a woke mindset by educating themselves and listening to marginalized voices.
Why Wokeness Is Nothing to Fear
Despite the fearmongering surrounding wokeness, the reality is that it’s simply about awareness and advocacy for a fairer society. Civil rights movements, women's suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights all started with people who were woke to injustice. The core idea is about striving for a more inclusive world, not about forcing anyone to think a certain way.
Social progress has always been met with resistance, but history shows that many ideas once labeled as radical—like interracial marriage or workplace protections for women—are now widely accepted. Wokeness, at its best, is an extension of that long tradition of striving toward a more just society.
Final Thoughts
Understanding wokeness requires cutting through the noise of political rhetoric and media distortion. At its heart, being woke means being informed, empathetic, and committed to making society better for all. While debates about its application will continue, the fundamental principles behind it—justice, equity, and awareness—are worth embracing rather than fearing.
Sources
DiAngelo, R. (2018). White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Beacon Press.
Pew Research Center. (2023). How Millennials and Gen Z View Social Justice and Equity Issues. Retrieved from www.pewresearch.org.
Williams, D. (2021). Cancel Wars: How Fear of Wokeness Shapes Modern Political Discourse. Oxford University Press.