Woke culture refers to a social and political awareness, initially rooted in African American communities, about systemic racial prejudice, discrimination, and broader social injustices. The term "woke" originally meant being alert to racial injustice and the potential for racist violence, as early as the 1930s, exemplified by the phrase "stay woke" used in Black protest songs to urge vigilance against oppression
. Over time, especially since around 2014 with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, "woke" expanded to encompass a heightened consciousness of various social inequalities, including systemic racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ rights, economic inequality, and critiques of capitalism and law enforcement institutions
. It broadly signifies an awareness of social injustices and a commitment to activism aimed at addressing them
. However, the term has evolved and become politically charged. While originally a positive descriptor within progressive and activist circles, "woke" has been adopted by conservatives as a pejorative label to criticize progressive values and social justice efforts, often conflated with concepts like political correctness and cancel culture
. This politicization has made "woke culture" a contentious and polarizing topic, with debates about its impact on society, including accusations of overreach or alienating moderate allies
. In summary, woke culture is about being socially and politically "awake" to systemic injustices and advocating for change, but its meaning and reception vary widely depending on context and political perspective
