Ignorance, racism and all that hides behind ‘anti-woke’ lies

I am woke and proud of it. Ignorance and racism hides behind ‘anti-woke’ lies. Truth needs no banner – it demands action

Reclaiming “Woke”: Restoring a Term of Empowerment in the Fight for Equality

Introduction

The term “woke” originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) as a call to awareness – a directive to stay vigilant against systemic racism and social injustice. Rooted in Black activism, it symbolised a commitment to challenging inequality. Today, however, “woke” has been weaponised by those resistant to progress, stripped of its empowering origins and repurposed as a pejorative to dismiss efforts toward equity. This essay explores how opponents of equality hijacked the term, why reclaiming it is vital, and how restoring its original meaning strengthens the fight for justice.

The Origins of “Woke”: A Legacy of Awareness

“Woke” emerged in the early 20th century as part of Black cultural resistance. By the 2010s, it gained prominence through movements like Black Lives Matter, embodying a call to recognise systemic oppression. Songs, speeches, and protests amplified its message: staying “awake” to societal inequities. For marginalised communities, being “woke” was not just a label but a lifeline – a shared language of solidarity and resistance to racism.

The Hijacking: From Empowerment to Mockery

As social justice movements gained momentum, critics began co-opting “woke” to caricature progressive ideals. Politicians, media figures, and online trolls twisted the term into a slur, using it to attack diversity initiatives, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-racism education. For instance:

Political Rhetoric: Over in the USA figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have derided “woke ideology” to ban books and restrict discussions of race in schools.

Media Narratives: Right-wing outlets attempt to frame “woke” as synonymous with “overreach,” portraying anti-discrimination efforts as threats to freedom.

Cultural Backlash: Critics reduce “wokeness” to performative outrage, dismissing systemic critiques as mere hypersensitivity.

This distortion serves a clear agenda: to delegitimise demands for equality by framing awareness itself as radical or absurd.

Why They Fear “Woke”: The Psychology of Resistance

Opponents of equality weaponise “woke” because it challenges their worldview. Acknowledging systemic injustice necessitates confronting privilege and complicity, which can provoke defensiveness. By mocking “wokeness,” they:

1. Deflect Accountability: Labeling advocates as “too woke” shifts focus from substantive issues to personal attacks.
2. Preserve Power Structures: Maintaining the status quo requires discrediting movements that demand change.
3. Appeal to Fear: Framing progress as “dangerous” rallies those anxious about shifting cultural norms.

This backlash reflects not just disagreement but a refusal to engage with the realities of marginalised communities.

Reclaiming “Woke”: An Act of Resistance

Language shapes perception, and ceding “woke” to its detractors surrenders a tool of empowerment. Reclaiming it involves:

Reaffirming Its Roots: Educating others about its origins in Black resistance and intersectional activism.

Championing Its Values: Using “woke” proudly to describe commitments to justice, equity, and allyship.

Countering Misuse: Calling out distortions and refusing to let critics define the narrative.

History shows reclamation works – the LGBTQ+ community transformed “queer” from a slur to a badge of pride. Similarly, “woke” can again signify strength, not shame.

Conclusion: “Woke” as a Beacon of Hope

The battle over “woke” is not semantic – it is ideological. By allowing opponents to dictate its meaning, we risk erasing the legacy of those who coined it. Reclaiming “woke” honors its roots and reinvigorates its power as a rallying cry for justice. Let us wear the label with pride, not as a term of derision, but as a testament to our collective awakening. In the words of activist Ella Baker, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.” To stay “woke” is to stay committed to that fight – and that is a legacy worth defending.

Call to Action

Reject the caricature. Educate. Advocate. Let us redefine “woke” not as a punchline, but as a promise – to stay alert, to act, and to uplift the voices of the oppressed. The future of equality depends on it. #StayWoke

Also by Lachlan McKenzie: The Troll in the Machine: Unmasking Climate Change Disinformation

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