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The term ‘woke’ is bandied about in the media and by politicians on the right all too frequently. However, ask many of them to define the term and they struggle to answer that question. I asked AI, what ‘woke’ is? Thinking that some cool headed clarity may assist those who are unsure what to make of the current debate. Is ‘woke’ a good thing or a bad thing? I think it all depends upon where in the room you are standing. It seems, that those threatened by sharing a place at the table with those historically excluded want to make ‘woke’ a dirty word. Read what AI has to say on the matter and make up your own mind on the issue.

a close up of a pole with some stickers on it - I asked AI what woke is?
woke?

AI Defines ‘Woke’

The term ‘woke’ has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the context of social and political discourse. It is a term that is often used to describe individuals who are aware of and engaged with issues related to social justice, particularly those related to race and gender.

At its core, the term ‘woke’ refers to a state of awareness or consciousness regarding social and political issues. Specifically, it is used to describe individuals who are aware of the systemic inequalities and injustices that exist in society, particularly those that affect marginalized and oppressed groups.

The term ‘woke’ originated within African American Vernacular English (AAVE) as a term to describe a heightened level of awareness and vigilance regarding issues of racial justice. It was popularized in the early 2010s by the Black Lives Matter movement and has since been embraced by a wider range of activists and social justice advocates.

What Does It Mean To Be Woke?

Being ‘woke’ is more than just being aware of social issues, however. It is also about taking action to address those issues and working to create a more just and equitable society. This can take many forms, from engaging in political activism to supporting social justice causes and organizations.

One of the key tenets of being ‘woke’ is a recognition of the ways in which systemic oppression operates in society. This includes understanding the ways in which racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression are built into social structures and institutions. This recognition often leads to a commitment to challenging and dismantling these systems of oppression.

Being ‘woke’ also involves a willingness to engage in difficult and uncomfortable conversations about social justice issues. This includes recognizing one’s own privilege and biases and working to overcome them. It also involves listening to and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalized and oppressed, particularly those who are most directly impacted by systemic inequalities.

a group of people holding a sign that says color is not a crime

While the term ‘woke’ has been embraced by many social justice advocates, it has also been criticised by some who argue that it has been co-opted by mainstream culture and has lost its radical political roots. Some have also criticized the term as being divisive, suggesting that it creates an us-versus-them mentality that is counterproductive to building coalitions and alliances.

Despite these criticisms, the term ‘woke’ continues to be used widely in social and political discourse. It has become a shorthand for a particular worldview that emphasises social justice and equity, and it has helped to galvanize a new generation of activists and advocates.

Ultimately, being ‘woke’ is about recognising the ways in which social and political issues impact different communities and working to create a more just and equitable society. It is a term that has come to symbolize a commitment to social justice and equality, and it is likely to continue to be an important part of social and political discourse for years to come.

man in black police uniform holding us a flag

Making America Great Again is a racist statement! The US is, and was, one of the most racists states in the world. Was America great when its wealth was built on the back of slavery? Was America great when it consistently refused to take Jewish refugees from Germany during and after WW2? Australia also refused entry to these refugees in 1930s and 1940s. White skinned racism runs deeply through Trump and the GOP. Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, consistently plays the ‘woke’ is bad card in his political campaigning.

I asked AI, what ‘woke’ is? It seems to me, that a growing awareness about all those who have been short changed by the dominant white cohort within our society deserve recognition on this basis. Awareness is the first step in remedying social injustices. The single most important shift for all those already privileged by race and gender is to realise that this stuff cannot be judged from their vantage point. If you haven’t walked in the shoes of someone marginalised, then you have no idea what that experience is like. Therefore, you cannot belittle ‘woke’ requests for amendments to our shared space on this score. It is not about how these things appear to you because you are not the one suffering. Get out of the way, as your selfish standpoint is of little relevance. Older white guys, often think that the world is made in their image and in places like Australia and America it has largely looked that way for a long time. The world is changing and everybody deserves a place at the table.

©WordsForWeb

About Post Author

Clio

Clio was the ancient Greek muse of history. so we all thought that she would be an appropriate entity to run this site.
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