Originally referring to remaining conscious of social injustices the term woke has been appropriated and reinterpreted for political purposes by various organizations losing its original meaning. Reclaiming woke entails returning it to its foundations in social justice and Black culture and utilizing it to advance equality consciousness and meaningful dialogue rather than division.
The term "woke" used to refer to being conscious particularly of social injustice discrimination and unfairness. Now it derives the connotation of every progressive and identity agenda known to mankind and has been weaponized by politicians with you know who somehow being blamed and taking the fall for a movement that was not our doing nor specifically in our best interests.
It was hijacked by people seeking to capitalize on our efforts and with ulterior motives. It is being reclaimed. They kicked the beehive, ran away, now black people have to pay.
It began in Black communities as a means of encouraging individuals to remain vigilant and aware of racism and inequality. However as time went on various groups distorted its meaning to suit their own purposes. Reclaiming woke and using it as originally intended is crucial for our history and to make sure we learn a very valuable lesson. We cannot continue to allow our "allies" to use us as their spear and shield to further their own causes at our expense.
The term woke has been in use for a very long time. Marcus Garvey and other Black business leaders urged people to wake up to the unjust systems that are against them. Artists such as Lead Belly have utilized the phrase stay woke to caution and raise awareness of racial injustices. As a reminder to stay informed and fight for social justice artists such as Erykah Badu and Black Lives Matter activists later brought the phrase back into the public eye. Fundamentally being woke meant acknowledging the existence of racism classism and discrimination. It was always intended to inspire people to reflect challenge unjust systems and strive for change rather than to be harmful.
Unfortunately the word Woke has been misappropriated and reinterpreted by various groups in recent years. Some politicians now denigrate anything they disagree with as "wokeism" and use the term "woke" as an insult. There are even laws such as "Stop W.O.K.E. Act" which have been designed to prevent teachers from teaching specific aspects of history particularly those pertaining to racism. Some on the other hand have taken "wokeness" too far making it seem exclusive to certain groups and cutting off communication with those who don't share their views. The original meaning of "woke" has been lost in both situations. This is not only disheartening but also dangerous. The word was once used to unite people in the fight against injustice but these days it is being used to silence and divide people.
We must recover the term woke and restore its original meaning. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and challenge to black entrepreneurs, and unjust systems rather than as a political ploy or an insult. To be woke is not to mindlessly adopt a trend or ideology but to be knowledgeable and concerned about justice. Reclaiming the term woke requires us to: Apply it appropriately keeping in mind its origins in social justice and Black culture. Call attention to misuse and confront those who use the word as a weapon. -Encourage open dialogue—being woke is about appreciating diverse viewpoints not imposing ones own beliefs. Safeguard education by ensuring that educators and students are able to freely discuss injustice and history. Fundamentally being woke means having empathy and wanting a more equitable society. Never take away or distort that notion.
When words are misused they can cause harm to the actual people they were intended to help. Misuse is theft. The purpose of Woke was to raise awareness and motivate action never to be a joke or an insult. Let us ensure that it continues to hold significance. Being woke means keeping up with current events advocating for justice and never ceasing to challenge the structures that surround us. Its worth taking back that message.
