How Woke can we be? The meaning of Woke, by the definitely not woke Donald H Marks

How Woke can we be? The meaning of Woke

by Donald H. Marks, Physician and Scientist 

"Woke" and Woke-ism may function as contentious terms, yet they can convey an increased awareness of social and political issues, particularly those linked to inequality and systemic oppression. Being "Woke" implies an understanding of how societal structures perpetuate inequalities and a commitment to actively address these issues. However, Woke-ism can also be employed as a slur, especially with regard to contentious election cycles.

A practical definition of being "Woke" encompasses:

1. Recognizing and challenging one's own privilege and biases.

2. Educating oneself on social and political issues, especially those affecting marginalized communities.

3. Participating in activism or advocacy to promote social justice.

4. Listening to and centering the voices of marginalized communities in discussions and decision-making.

On the flip side, considering "Woke" as a hot-button trigger word, it may be used pejoratively to categorize liberals or social activists as divisive, downplaying the significance of their concerns and fostering division in society.

Historically, the term "Woke" originated in the African American community, describing a state of awareness or vigilance around social justice and racial inequality, dating back to a 1940s song by blues musician Lead Belly called "Scottsboro Boys."

In the 1960s and 1970s, "Woke" gained wider usage in African American communities, resurging in the 2010s with the prominence of social media and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The implications of being "Woke" vary based on the individual and context. While it can be viewed positively as a trait indicating social consciousness and active efforts for justice, it can also be used in a perjorative or negative sense, suggesting an excessive focus on social justice without meaningful action. For me, "Woke" is, pragmatically, another emotionally charged term rather than a tool for fostering thoughtful discourse.

Ultimately, the impact of being "Woke" depends on how an individual interprets and applies the concept in their daily life.

Additional writings of mine, found on this blog, that may interest you:

• The Inevitability-of UBI for-the Homeless

• Reliable news sources I personally use http://bit.ly/3kECPvr   

• Fake News: Everything You Need to Know http://bit.ly/345cj95 

• Best Online Free Fact-Checking Tools http://bit.ly/3H97I44

• Fact-Checking: The Ways We Can Fight Fake News  http://bit.ly/3qudEyX

• Infodemic: the epidemic of information http://bit.ly/3fV7BgN 

• The Curious Case of Deepfakes http://bit.ly/3GZJdXhn 

• My personal list of Red Flags, Dog Whistles, Buzzwords, Hot Button words and meaningless caricatures  that will drive toxic algorithms to heat and twist elections and trigger hatred on social media. http://bit.ly/3TcuT4I

• Einstein, Relativity and Relative Ethics https://bit.ly/3gWWH9t  

• What I Haven’t Told My Family on the Meaning of Time. https://bit.ly/374cpzJ

• Jonas Salk, Polio Vaccine and Vaccinating Against Hate, https://bit.ly/3xjtosh 

• Link to my Favorite Books📚 (and recent read list) https://bit.ly/3ok9Ux

• My ever-updating fav list of coffee shops and espresso blends and locations https://bit.ly/3IkqOHE

• Elitists Neocons Neolibs, oh my. What are they, who are they, and why should I care? http://bit.ly/3LMrs0e 

• Undermoney. Techno economic political thriller by Jay Newman. Reviewed by Donald Harvey Marks https://bit.ly/3Fa4wqb