Woke

Originating in African-American Vernacular English, 'woke' describes an individual who is alert to injustice in society, especially racism. It signifies an awareness of social and political issues, particularly those affecting marginalized groups. The term often implies a commitment to actively combatting these inequalities and promoting social change. While initially positive, the meaning has become complex, evolving to encompass a broader awareness of various social injustices and inequalities. Its use can be both positive, signifying critical consciousness, and negative, often used pejoratively to mock or dismiss someone's views as performative or overly sensitive. The term's interpretation also depends heavily on context and individual perspective.

Woke meaning with examples

• The documentary highlighted systemic racial biases, prompting viewers to become more 'woke' to the disparities in the justice system. Many attendees shared their thoughts and were critical of the current situation. The film served as a catalyst for deeper conversations about equity and inclusion in their communities. There was a general understanding of how some systems can perpetuate inequality.
• After reading the article, the student felt 'woke' to the lack of diversity in her university's curriculum. She began advocating for more inclusive representation of different cultures and perspectives. She expressed concern about the historical context and the impact it has. She was passionate to create change in the classroom to reflect the changes in society.
• The activist's speech was aimed at making the audience 'woke' to the dangers of climate change. They presented facts about deforestation and other environmental damage. Their words inspired people to question the status quo and change behaviors. The crowd then joined the protests and supported clean energy initiatives.
• The company's marketing campaign aimed to appear 'woke' by addressing social issues, but critics argued it was merely performative activism. They felt the company's actions weren't genuine or reflective of true values. The campaign was quickly dismissed as pandering by consumers. The criticism made the company change the strategy.
• Following the online discussion, the professor urged students to be 'woke' to the biases in historical accounts, encouraging critical analysis. She introduced the idea to always consider the viewpoint of those who had lost. Students now approached readings with a questioning mindset and sought diverse perspectives to enrich their understanding of the topics.