Woke. A funny term, especially how it is used. It is possible that Progressives are being suckered into the conservatives’ game by allowing them to define the word to our disadvantage.
Although it started out in the 40’s with a positive connotation, being “aware of social injustice,” now the right has a more perverted meaning for this word. It appears that there is no coherent definition but that it expresses an emotional relationship to whatever thing or person a specific conservatives might hate.
However, Progressives are letting them get away with this and not responding as they might. Since the word has no real definition, it can be defined beneficially, neutralizing it as as an epithet. Let me tell you a little story to show how it worked in the past.
About 45 years ago my community in a small canyon was under threat. Would-be developers saw our street as the route to rich opportunities in the land farther up the canyon, but half of our houses (35) would have to be removed to provide sufficient access. While these interests sought money to achieve this destruction and failed, they started a publicity campaign against us, styling us as “canyon rats.” Nobody much likes rats and the words stung a bit. I realized that the best way to take the impact out of such words was to wear them proudly. At meetings I referred to “us canyon rats” and said things like, “all canyon rats are behind this.” This had a disconcerting affect on our detractors. Although I was scoffed at a bit at first, they never again used this term against us. We went on to win the big battle and eliminate the threat.
The great thing about “woke” is that has an inherently positive connotation. It means awakened and aware. In the definition used by conservatives, it stands for all the positive things every Democratic president and congress has ever achieved or would wish to achieve. Conservatives live to destroy these things. “Woke” is competent, compassionate, and fair government. “Woke” is an honest judiciary and fair opportunity for all. Further, government for the many rather just for the few is “woke.” Racial equality is “woke.” The list is long, and most of that list is supported by 60-70% of the populace.
These and others are traits we should celebrate and wear with pride. By so doing, we will redefine the word used against us as a positive attribute. I feel more woke already. How about you?
Remember: The opposite of “woke” is “still asleep.”