The word woke has somehow become a slur, an insult, a criticism.
Every time I hear the word used in this manner, I roll my eyes. I have to wonder if people really understand what they’re criticizing or even what the word is intended to mean.
Let’s start with a simple definition of woke — awake, aware, conscious. The opposite of this would be asleep, unaware, unconscious. So I’m supposed to be insulted by being called awake, aware, conscious. Really?
Well, call me woke… I’ll wear the label proudly!!
Now, to be a little less general.
When criticizing the idea of being woke, most people seem to be referring to people who are aware or seek to be aware of injustices, inequalities, and vitriol in order to address the consequences for those affected in order to make necessary changes to create a more just, more equal, and more accepting world. Wow! And, there are people who think people should be ashamed of being woke. Really? Are they serious?
Again… Call me woke! Please!!
Personally, I strive to be woke! I seek education, truth, and justice. Learning, doing the hard work, and making the hard decisions is how we move the needle toward the equality, the justice, the acceptance that makes the world a better place.
Call me woke!
I prefer real history over romanticized history. I prefer fact over fiction. I prefer science over belief. I prefer love over hate. I prefer justice over injustice. I…
