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“What’s Woke? What’s not Woke?”
Presented by Michelle Edmunds
“Woke” is a term that has recently come into prominence in mainstream culture after cycling in and out of use in the African American community for many decades starting in the 1930’s. At its core, being “woke” is being aware of the racial prejudice and discrimination baked-in to society and culture at a fundamental level. To “stay woke” means to never again allow yourself to ignore racism when it shows itself nor be lulled into a false sense of security by appeasement or lip-service to ideas of equality that don’t address the core inequalities at play. More recently, the concept of “woke” has generalized to being aware of all forms of discrimination and prejudice, no matter what their basis.
Being "woke" is a term often used to describe individuals who are socially aware and engaged in discussions and activism related to social justice issues. While opinions on this term can vary widely, there are some positive points associated with being socially aware and engaged in addressing these issues:
1. Increased Awareness: Being woke often involves a heightened awareness of social injustices and inequalities, which can lead to a better understanding of the world's complexities.
2. Empathy: A key aspect of being woke is the ability to empathize with marginalized groups and understand their struggles, which can lead to a more compassionate and empathetic worldview.
3. Advocacy: Many people who consider themselves woke are actively involved in advocating for social justice causes, such as racial equality, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental justice.
4. Educational Opportunities: Being woke often involves a commitment to learning and self-education about various social issues, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
5. Fostering Change: Activism and advocacy by woke individuals can contribute to positive social change, whether through policy reform, public awareness campaigns, or community initiatives.
6. Challenging the Status Quo: Being woke often involves questioning existing power structures and societal norms, which can lead to important conversations and efforts to address systemic issues.
7. Inclusivity: Woke individuals often prioritize inclusivity and diversity, striving to create more welcoming and equitable spaces for all people.
8. Solidarity: Being woke can foster a sense of solidarity with others who share similar values and concerns, creating communities of support and activism.
9. Cultural Understanding: Those who are woke often seek to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures and backgrounds that make up our world, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society.
10. Personal Growth: Being woke can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of purpose as individuals work towards making the world a more just and equitable place.
While many people see being woke as a positive and necessary stance, others have raised concerns and criticisms. Here are some negative points or criticisms associated with being woke:
1. Overzealousness: Some critics argue that those who are overly woke can become overly aggressive or confrontational in their efforts to raise awareness about social issues. This can lead to division and hostility rather than constructive dialogue.
2. Cancel Culture: Being woke is sometimes associated with cancel culture, where individuals or organizations are boycotted, shamed, or silenced for perceived offenses. Critics argue that this can stifle free speech and discourage open discussions.
3. Self-Righteousness: Some individuals who consider themselves woke may come across as self-righteous or morally superior, which can alienate others and hinder productive conversations.
4. Groupthink: In some cases, being woke can lead to groupthink, where individuals conform to a particular set of beliefs or opinions without critical examination. This can limit intellectual diversity and hinder creative problem-solving.
5. Focus on Identity Politics: Critics argue that an excessive focus on identity politics, which is often associated with being woke, can lead to a divisive view of society, where people are primarily defined by their identity group rather than their individual merits.
6. Lack of Nuance: Some people believe that being woke can oversimplify complex social issues and reduce them to black-and-white, us-versus-them narratives, which can hinder understanding and effective solutions.
7. Selective Outrage: Critics argue that some woke activists may be inconsistent in their outrage, focusing on some issues while ignoring others, which can be seen as hypocritical.
8. Dismissal of Different Perspectives: There is a concern that being woke can lead to the dismissal of alternative perspectives, discouraging constructive debate and the exploration of diverse ideas.
It's important to note that these criticisms do not apply to everyone who identifies as woke, and not all aspects of being woke are inherently negative. Many people who consider themselves woke are genuinely committed to addressing important social justice issues and promoting equality and equity. However, these criticisms highlight potential pitfalls and challenges associated with the concept of being woke, and they serve as a reminder that any social or political movement can have both positive and negative aspects.
What do you think? Join us to discuss this question together.