Throughout the last few years, “woke” has become a buzzword. You may need to be fully aware of its origin or meaning. Many people use the word “woke” without truly understanding what it represents throughout the history of “woke” The true meaning is in plain language. Woke is a word used as an adjective to describe someone aware of social injustice, racial bias, and police brutality in the United States. It’s more than just being “aware,” though. A woke person is intensely aware of their surroundings and isn’t afraid to speak out about issues like racism and social injustice. They’re open to speaking the truth, even if it isn’t popular with other people. In recent years, “woke” has become increasingly popular among young people, social media users, and activists. But what does it mean to be “woke”? And where did this term originate from?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “woke” is defined as “Originally: well-informed, up-to-date. Now chiefly: alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice; frequently in stay woke.” This definition highlights the term’s evolution from a vague reference to general awareness to a more specific reference to social justice issues. The phrase “woke” is believed to have originated in the African American community in the early 2000s as an alternative to the word “sleep,” which was used to describe people who were unaware of social or political issues affecting marginalized communities. The term “woke” was popularized through social media in the late 2000s and early 2010s, mainly through the Black Lives Matter movement. In an article for The Guardian, writer Daniel Victor explained that the term “woke” “implies a heightened awareness of issues – particularly those related to social justice and racial inequality.” Victor further explains that being “woke” means being “actively conscious of realities that are often ignored, overlooked, or dismissed” and taking action to address those issues. While the term “woke” has been criticized by some for being overused or misused, it remains a significant part of contemporary language and activism. As writer Charles M. Blow writes in a New York Times op-ed, “The word has evolved from its insular roots to become a banner of a civil rights movement, a group of people dedicated to eradicating systemic injustice.”
Sources:
Oxford English Dictionary. “Woke.”
https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/229225
Victor, Daniel. “Why ‘woke’ is the word of the moment.” The Guardian. August 14, 2017.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/14/woke-meaning-origin-why-word-used-black-lives-matter
Blow, Charles M. “The Woke Movement.” The New York Times. October 23, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/opinion/woke-movement-black-activists.html