What Does "Woke" Mean?
The term "woke" originally comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and means being awake to social injustices and inequalities , especially those related to race and discrimination. It implies a heightened awareness of systemic issues such as racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression.
Historical Context
- Originally: "Woke" meant being alert to social and political issues, particularly racial injustice.
- Popularized: The term gained wider usage during the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice activism in the 2010s.
Modern Usage
- Positive sense: Being socially conscious, aware, and actively engaged in fighting injustice.
- Negative or sarcastic sense: Sometimes used to criticize or mock people or ideas perceived as excessively politically correct or performative activism.
Summary
- Woke = socially aware and conscious of injustice
- Used in discussions about race, equality, and social justice
- Can be both a compliment or a pejorative depending on context
If you'd like, I can provide examples or explain how the meaning has evolved over time!
