Admittedly, I’m probably not the only one that gets a bit confused with this word, so it felt like it was time to learn more…learning how to tune into our frequency of freedom, truth and situational awareness.
Woke” may seem like a newer term for some, but its origins can be traced all the way back to the 1930s in the United States. The term “stay woke” was widely used in Black American communities.
Woke” basically means to be aware of one’s surroundings. This extends to one’s setting overall, including the political climate surrounding them. It’s kind of an expansion of the word “awake,” so, the definition of woke is pretty literal in some ways. To be “woke,” one must be alert and aware of what’s going on especially due to the dangerously discriminatory environment then and now.
In 2017, both The Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary added “woke” to their pages. In part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in part due to the outcries over the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many other Black Americans. With all the upcoming challenges of the political landscape, gun violence, and the economy nearing a boiling point, it’s not time to sleep…the world really needs people to be “woke” right now.
While use of the word “woke” continues to grow (especially on the extreme right), it’s important to note that the word isn’t always expressed in a positive light. “Woke” is often used to attack trans and gay rights while others apply it to critical race theory…a legal theory that examines systemic racism as a part of American institutions…and the teachings of the New York Times’ 1619 project in public schools.
There are people, often online, who will refer to themselves ironically as “woke”… and yet they may not be as informed as they think they are. There’s almost always more to learn and more work to be done, so calling one’s self “woke” can come across in a way that says, “I’m done with the woke. I’m awake now.” Seriously??
Even though the “woke” term originally came from African Americans…this should not discourage people from learning, engaging, and trying to understand things, so long as we take accountability and learn when to lend support. And if you aren’t staying woke, there’s always time to get woke. Truth and freedom are paramount to our true selves and our holistic wellness.
This humor was sent to me by a friend on Facebook:
Ten Symptoms of Woke Mind Virus
- You read books and don’t burn them
- You embrace science
- You are willing to change your mind when new information becomes available
- You understand most issues aren’t black and white.
- You believe in true equality for all people.
- You like to share.
- You embrace cooperation.
- You respect others’ rights.
- You believe culture and arts have value.
- You care for the planet and all of its life.
(According to the New York Times, “The Woke Mind Virus is eating away at conservative brains).
Fun Wisconsin Woke Product: The Minocqua Brewing Company has manufactured a cold-filtered nitro coffee called “Woke”. On the container it reads…”Get woke, go broke. That’s what they say, right? Au contraire, mon frère.. Being woke means having an awareness that our government is mostly working for the richest among us. Being woke means seeing injustice, knowing that society can and must do better, and then being part of the solution. Get woke, find folk, and we’ll keep making this kick-ass, gourmet, nitro-infused coffee so you’ll have the energy to speak truth to power. (A percentage of the proceeds of this product goes to progressive causes, together, we can move this country in the right direction, one sip at a time.)
A few “woke” jokes:
- What do you call a wolf that is woke? An aware wolf.
- What do you call a woke droid from Star Wars? R2-Me2
- At the rate we are traveling, shampoo is going to be canceled soon so that bald people do not get offended.
Bottom line…what is life without freedom?
- Freedom is the oxygen of our soul to live!
- Freedom is the fuel of our heart’s desire to love!
- Freedom is the key that unlocks our cage to fly!
So let’s be “woke” Worriors!
Spiritual Meditation: Finding heaven is the freedom to allow love to enter our hearts. – Daily Medicine