What's In A Word

Cassandra James, DEI Manager

Have you ever heard a word so often that it starts to lose its meaning? Or people have taken a word and misused it so often that the meaning starts to change over time. If you ask most people what the word “woke” means, I’m sure the definition that they would give wouldn’t mirror the true meaning. The term woke is an adjective derived from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.” 1.

Contrary to popular belief it is not a new word but has been in the AA vernacular since the 1930s when it was used in the outro of the song “Scottsboro Boys”.  As of late, however, the word has been divorced from its original intent. It is now used to insult those who lean politically left. The new Disney Little Mermaid was called woke for being more inclusive. Target was accused of wokeness for having trans-inclusive clothes in their stores. 

As more people claim their true identities the word will continue to gain traction; especially with politicians throwing it around either in defense of their constituents or to deride their opponents. No amount of “how woke are you?” quizzes on Buzzfeed or #staywoke hashtags will water down the true meaning of the word. If you have compassion and empathy, and recognize the systems at play in our lives, you are woke. Be proud of that label.

1. Woke