Are you 'woke'?

A question you may have asked yourself recently. In this blog you can read what it means to be woke. The term “woke” is much discussed and elicits various reactions. You will discover where the term comes from, how it came into being, and what it means to be woke or anti-woke. In addition, you will gain more insight into the values ​​of the woke movement and the criticism of it.

What is woke?

“Woke” is a term that originally comes from the African-American community and literally means “being awake”. It refers to an awareness of social inequalities, such as racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination. Being woke means that you are not only aware of these problems, but also actively think about how you can contribute to a more just and inclusive society. The term has received a lot of attention in recent years, both positive and negative.

When did we start using the word 'woke'?

The term “woke” originated in the 1930s, but only really became popular in the 2010s. The word was first used in writing by American blues singer Lead Belly in a 1938 song, warning listeners to “stay woke” and be alert to injustice. Later, in the 2010s, the term was re-embraced by the Black Lives Matter movement and became synonymous with awareness of racial inequality and social justice.

How did woke come about?

Woke emerged from the fight against racism in the United States. The term was initially used within the African-American community to promote awareness and vigilance against racial injustice and violence. In the 2010s, the term gained wider popularity through the rise of social media and the Black Lives Matter movement. Hashtags such as #StayWoke were used to draw attention to police brutality and racial inequality.

From there, the concept has expanded to other forms of social justice, such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change. It has become an umbrella term for progressive ideals and activism.

When are you woke?

You are woke when you are aware of societal inequalities and actively try to combat them. This means that you:

• Deepen yourself into topics such as racism, sexism, and social justice.
• Critically examine society and the systems that perpetuate inequality.
• Proactively choose behaviors and actions that contribute to inclusivity, such as supporting diversity initiatives or correcting discriminatory behavior.
• Being woke is not just about knowledge, but also about empathy and action. It means that you take responsibility to contribute to a better society.

What does the woke movement stand for?

The woke movement stands for equality, inclusion, and social justice. Important values ​​of this movement are:

• Racial equality: Fighting racism and inequality based on skin color.
• Gender equality: Ensuring that men, women, and non-binary people have the same rights and opportunities.
• LGBTQ+ rights: Promoting acceptance and rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Climate justice: Awareness of the social and economic inequalities that cause and exacerbate climate change.
• Intersectionality: Recognizing that people have multiple identities (such as race, gender, and class) that can overlap and create complex forms of inequality.

The movement calls for more than just awareness; it encourages people to take concrete actions and advocate for change.

What is anti-woke?

Anti-woke is a term used by those who are critical of the woke movement. They often see woke as exaggerated or taken too far. Anti-woke advocates believe that the emphasis on political correctness and social justice leads to censorship, restriction of freedom of speech, or polarization.

Anti-woke advocates often argue that society should not be driven by a “woke agenda” and that traditions, norms, and values ​​should be protected from what they see as “unrealistic progressive ideals.”

When are you anti-woke?

You are anti-woke if you are critical of the goals and methods of the woke movement. This may include:

• Thinking that the emphasis on inclusivity and diversity goes too far.
• Being critical of how cancel culture is used.
• Thinking that political correctness limits freedom of expression.
• Rejecting the idea that systems and structures are inherently discriminatory.
• Being anti-woke does not necessarily mean that you are against inclusion or equality, but that you do not believe in the approach or intensity of the woke movement.

Criticism of the 'woke' movement

Although the 'woke' movement has received a lot of support, it is also criticized from different angles.criticized. Some common criticisms include:

- Cancel culture: Critics argue that the 'woke' movement promotes a 'cancel' culture, where people who say or do the 'wrong' thing are publicly condemned and their careers or reputations are put at risk.
- Political correctness: The emphasis on inclusivity and avoiding offensive language is seen by some as 'political correctness' that restricts freedom of speech.
- Identity politics: Critics argue that the 'woke' movement focuses too much on identity politics and that there is less emphasis on shared values ​​and interests.
- Essentialism: Some critics argue that the 'woke' movement too often assumes essential differences between groups of people, while they believe that identity is more complex and constantly evolving.
- Marxism: Another criticism is that the 'woke' movement is a new form of Marxism, emphasizing class struggle between oppressors and oppressed.
It is important to recognize that these criticisms are often based on misconceptions or oversimplifications of the woke movement. Proponents of the movement emphasize that its goal is to create a more just society, and that criticism of cancel culture, for example, is often based on examples of people being called out for hate speech.

How can we have a discussion with the 'woke' and 'anti-woke' groups?

The debate about the woke movement can often be polarizing. In order to have a constructive dialogue, it is important to:

Listen to each other: Try to understand the perspectives of others, even if you disagree with them.
Be open to nuance: Recognize that there are different nuances within the woke movement and that not all proponents hold the same views.
Focus on shared values: Despite the differences, there are often shared values, such as the pursuit of equality and justice.

By engaging in this kind of dialogue, we can hopefully work together to create a society in which everyone feels safe and valued.

Whether you’re woke or not...
Woke is a complex and multifaceted concept that describes awareness and activism around social justice. While it stems from a noble pursuit of equality, the term has also generated criticism and controversy. Whether you’re drawn to the woke movement or more critical, it’s clear that this discussion has an important place in our modern society. It challenges us to think about how we deal with inequality and how we can contribute to a more inclusive world.

This blog was previously published on Tivy.club. Job board Tivy is 100% part of Greenjobs.nl.