I have always been fascinated by the phenomenon of word picking and bastardizing. We choose words that are “bad” and shouldn’t be said, or we create new ones to weaponize beliefs without knowing their meaning. The latest example is the term “woke.” People use the word as it was originally intended on one side of the spectrum—to signify awareness of social injustices. On the other hand, it has been completely bastardized into a derogatory term, often used as a catch-all insult for progressive ideals.
I looked into the word myself before forming an opinion, which is something more people need to do. Take, for instance, a recent Fox News report titled “Google sparks OUTRAGE with 'woke' Christmas ad: 'Failing to read the room.'” The story centered on a nonbinary person shopping for Christmas gifts. When I watched the ad, I thought, “Who cares? It’s just another ad like all the others.” But, of course, people were “freaking out,” and Fox News chose to amplify the backlash. One comment in the report read: “Another out-of-touch company failing to read the room. I can’t avoid Google, but I don’t have to buy the products they pitch via woke garbage like this.”
I honestly didn’t understand the outrage, so I decided to dig deeper into what “woke” has come to represent and why it’s causing so much division. Here’s what I found:
The Original Meaning of “Woke”
The term “woke” originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and was first used to describe alertness to social injustices, particularly racism and systemic oppression. Being “woke” meant being aware of societal inequalities many overlook or ignore. Over time, the concept expanded to include awareness of gender inequality, environmental issues, and other systemic problems.
In its original form, being “woke” was about empathy, education, and action—a call to pay attention to the world around you and to strive for a more just society.
How “Woke” Became a Pejorative
The transformation of “woke” into an insult is a fascinating example of how language can be weaponized. For critics, the term has been reframed as a symbol of what they perceive as “extreme” progressivism or political correctness.
Some of the common criticisms include:
Overreach: Critics point to examples of perceived over-correction, like rewriting class-over-correction, such as controversial speakers or policing language. They label these actions as “woke” to argue they’re excessive or authoritarian that they are.
Cancel Culture: “Woke” has become entangled with cancel culture, which critics see as punitive and unforgiving.
Virtue Signaling: Some argue that “woke” activism is more about appearing morally superior than enacting real change.
The Role of Media in Polarizing “Woke”
Media outlets have significantly shaped sports, opinion pieces, and viral social media posts, often cherry-picking extreme or outlandish examples to stoke outrage. This leads to a distorted view of what “leading one” means.
Take the Fox News example I mentioned earlier. The outrage over the Google ad wasn’t about its content but its representation of a nonbinary individual. For some, this representation is inclusive and normalizes the diversity of human experiences. For others, it’s labeled “woke garbage.”
Nuance is often absent from these debates. Like this one, most ads try to appeal to a broad audience with an agenda. However, the media frequently amplifies the loudest and most polarized voices, creating the impression of widespread controversy where there might be none.
Why the Backlash?”
Fear of Change: Many resist change, especially when it challenges traditional norms or comforts. Representation of nonbinary individuals, for example, might feel “new” or “unfamiliar” to some, leading to discomfort or rejection.
Misinformation: Many “woke” culture critiques are based on misunderstandings or deliberate misinformation. People quickly form opinions based on headlines rather than investigating the whole story.
Cultural War Tactics: “Woke” has become a political football used by commentators to mobilize support by framing social justice issues as threatening traditional values.
Why Being Woke Isn’t a Bad Thing
At its heart, being “woke” means being aware, empathetic, and striving for a fairer society. It means questioning systems perpetuating inequality and seeking ways to improve the world. Are there missteps or extremes? Of course—as with any movement. However, the backlash often focuses on isolated incidents rather than the larger, positive social awareness and justice goals.
Finding Common Ground
The conversation around “woke” doesn’t have to be so polarized. Here are a few ways we can move toward understanding:
Engage with Openness: Instead of reacting to buzzwords, dig into the actual issues being discussed. What’s the goal of a policy or representation effort? Is it harmful, or is it just new?
Recognize Shared Values: Most people agree on fairness and kindness. The disagreement often lies in how these values are expressed or prioritized.
Question Outrage: Ask yourself who benefits from the outrage. Is it genuinely about an issue, or is it a manufactured distraction?
The bastardization of “woke” reflects a broader cultural struggle over language, values, and progress. While getting caught up in the noise is easy, it’s worth taking a step back to consider what the term means and what we want it to represent. Awareness and empathy aren’t bad things; they’re the foundation of a compassionate society. Let’s not lose sight of that in the clamor of cultural debates.
Disclaimer: Journaling is a powerful tool to support your healing process. The CBT exercises in Journals to Healing journals are intended to help you analyze and reframe your thoughts as part of a personal growth journey. However, these journals do not replace therapy or professional help. If you are experiencing intense emotions or feelings beyond your control, please seek professional assistance. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) are available 24/7 for support. Remember, reaching out for help is a strength, and healing is a process.
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