What it means to be “Woke”?

You've heard about it all over the internet, on social media, and even in your local news outlets. What started as a small movement calling out social injustices, and a vocal outcry for more representation of the LGBTQ+ community has taken over our lives and has become a highly polarizing topic.

What Is Being Woke?

Being "woke" currently has a negative connotation. Florida Governor Ron De Santis acknowledged being awakened negatively and even launched an "anti-woke" movement. De Santis wrote the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (WOKE) Act, which took effect on July 1, 2022. This act said that schools and businesses could not teach students things that would make them feel bad because of their race, sex, or color. So what does it mean to be "woke," and why is there a need to stop the "woke" agenda? Spy Witness News delves deeper into the search for the truth to learn more about the woke plan.

The Woke Agenda

Initially, the phrase "be woke" meant to be open to the discrimination and racial prejudices around you and came from African-American Vernacular English, or AAVE. It was a genuine cry for help for those who wanted to be treated fairly by their fellow men, despite their race or color.

However, "woke or being woke" changed around 2014. After Michael Brown's death, Black Lives Matter, or BLM, used it to raise awareness of the police brutality that often happens to African-Americans. Along the way, the term began to include the African-American community and the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

Woke Agenda Turns Sour

However, the term slowly started having negative connotations after becoming an internet meme for being related to BLM activists. Critics of the woke agenda and the BLM movement use the word "woke police" to make people not want to use racist or sexist language because they think it is wrong, or because they think it makes them feel bad.

In today's society, a woke person is often labeled as someone who hates white people or allows oppressed minorities to oppress others, a far cry from the old meaning of the term. Others believe the "woke agenda" or "Wokeists" tend to think that white people are always better off because of privilege, black people are always worse off because of their race, and the LGBT community needs special attention because they are different. It can be a divisive belief system that promotes discrimination, division, and unfairness instead of unity, equality, and hope for a better future.

Is There A Woke Positive?

Despite the ever-changing definition of being woke, there is some good that comes along with it. Some of which are:

Awareness

Being woke has its benefits, one of which is it gives people awareness of what other people are experiencing, such as social injustices, racial discrimination, and oppressive systems. You gradually realize that it is not all rainbows and butterflies for all people, especially people of color, that they experience oppression daily. Some members of the LGBTQIA++ are experiencing discrimination in the workplace, the streets, at home, and in schools. Whether we see it or not, it is happening all around us.

Call to Action

Because people know the injustices and discrimination happening everywhere, being woke means encouraging them to call for action. They do activities like posting their advocacy on social media, attending rallies, conducting activities to encourage others to take action to address these issues and concerns, and a lot more. You already know that everyone deserves equal rights, treatment, and opportunities. You also want a brighter future for others, and you know that it can only be achieved if you start fighting these unfortunate circumstances.

Acceptance

“Woke” people tend to be more accepting of others. You look at people without judgment and prejudices. You see people for what they are, not by what circumstances dictate them to be, not by their skin color and status in the community. You see past their flaws and imperfections and want nothing more than for them to succeed. Acceptance and openness will help combat racism, bigotry, and sexism. The mentality of being better than others because of their color, sex, and social standing will be gone.

Inclusive

Another positive impact of being woke when done right is inclusivity. People of color, the minority, and other groups will have better representation in the media and our society. Just like in the United States of America, gone are the days when only “white” people led society. They now have black leaders; one notable leader was former President Barack Obama—the LGBTQIA++ community; they are slowly being recognized and celebrated worldwide.

However, there have been areas for improvement regarding being woke. Sometimes it is abused and may harm rather than good.

Hostility and Anger

Sometimes, woke people tend to forget the true purpose of being awakened. They lose their compassion and empathy for people suffering from injustices as they become attached to being woke. Yet, they forget what it truly means, especially when they get frustrated that others do not believe in their cause, leading them to think irrationally, becoming more radical and vitriolic, especially when the authorities ignore their concerns.

Another example of going overboard is that “wokeism” encourages anger which fuels hostility. Falling into the intoxicating energy of anger fuels you to act rashly and unreasonably.

Cynicism and Fear

Aside from anger, fear is another destructive emotion. Fear often is an elicit response of animals in avoiding danger, such as a paralyzing response or flight response. Constant fear can cause anxiety and depression, which leads to despair. It becomes a misguided way that motivates people to attack their enemies who do not share the same views as they do, and to condemn people who do not yet understand. Another result of fear and cynicism is the cancel culture, like what happened to Balenciaga. They have been canceled because of a perception that they are promoting child exploitation through their ads. As a result, their sales plummeted, which ruined careers and jobs.

Ungratefulness

It can take its toll on your peace of mind to focus on being woke, especially when you forget how to appreciate the privileges you already have. Activists made privilege that was initially a good thing bad. Wrong in a way that not all people are privileged to have a home, a haven free from violence, access to health care, and a lot more. These are the rights that people are fighting for, but sometimes they get so caught up in it that they forget to be grateful for what they already have. Because how can you fight for something that others do not have if you, on your own, can’t even appreciate the privilege that you have?

If there is something that you will notice, it is often the word's usage that is shown in a negative light, but not necessarily the meaning of the word itself. There are many ways you can raise awareness and fight for representation worldwide without being disruptive or seen as a nuisance, as some activists have done. You can create the real change you need through proper communication, a more relaxed head, being more empathetic to others, and simply living to help others.

True and proper change can and should always start with yourself. If you are open to ideas and treat others with respect and dignity, you are doing much better than many others who would become offended over nothing. Do it not to be seen as a morally superior individual to others, but out of genuine kindness for other people.