Does Everybody Need to be “Woke” ????

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the term “woke” has undergone a significant transformation over the years, devolving from its traditional meaning of being awake or conscious to a term deeply entrenched in political discourse, to just thinking is cool to be and act stupid, that’s “stoopid” if your are “woke”.

Originally, “woke” simply referred to being alert or aware, particularly in the context of social issues. However, in recent years, it has taken on a broader and more politically charged significance. This shift has made the term a focal point in political debates, particularly in the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who has long advocated for the importance of “staying woke,” has found herself at the center of these debates. As she gears up for a potential presidential run against former President Donald Trump, her past statements on being “woke” have resurfaced, reigniting discussions around the term.

According to the Free Speech Center, “woke” initially suggested someone who was previously oblivious to social issues but has since become aware and sees the world differently. The origins of the term can be traced back to a 1938 song about the Scottsboro Boys, nine Black teenagers who were falsely accused of rape in Alabama. Despite clear evidence of their innocence, they were convicted by an all-white jury. Within the Black community, “woke” originally meant being alert to the realities of racism.

In recent years, particularly during the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, “woke” reemerged as a call to recognize and combat systemic racism and police brutality. The term has since expanded to encompass a range of progressive political concerns, including issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity.

However, “woke” has also taken on negative connotations. Merriam-Webster Dictionary notes that the term can imply a form of political liberalism or progressivism that some perceive as extreme or unreasonable. If you go “Woke” you go “Broke” . Today, “woke” is often used in discussions around identity politics, with terms like “wokeness,” “wokeism,” and “woke ideology” becoming part of the cultural lexicon.

Conservative politicians, including former President Trump, have been vocal in their opposition to what they describe as “woke ideology.” They argue that efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace, public schools, and legislation are part of a broader agenda that they oppose.

A 2017 clip of Vice President Harris declaring that “everybody needs to be woke” has recently resurfaced, sparking renewed debate. The video, which was also posted on her social media at the time, has become a point of contention as the conversation around the term “woke” continues to evolve.