WOKE: The Trope That Doesn't Work

WOKE - a word we now hear so often used in ridicule of others on social media commentary. But like so many tropes used against others, its user - by the mere act of using it - clearly demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of its true meaning and origin.

If anything, its usage, now defines more the user, than the intended reciprocate.

And its not a new word by any stretch of 21st Century meaning. It dates back more than 80 years but has only in the past few years reignited its common and increasing usage in everyday English language.

ORIGIN - THE WOKE

It originally dates back to a comment from an African American United Mine Workers official in 1940 (USA), stating: "Let me tell you buddy. Waking up is a damn sight harder than going to sleep, but we'll stay woke up longer."

Think of all the times in exchanges online (primarily social media) that you've been described as 'woke' in a derogatory way. Ask yourselves, have you noticed how often those throwing the 'woke' spear also use the terms 'sheeple' and 'snowflake', in a condescending way - to describe people who just accept things they shouldn't and just go along with the crowd or don't have a tough outer skin?

You see the problem and dichotomy now? By definition - someone 'woke' can't really be a 'sheeple'. Unfortunately, online bullies and trolls rarely think their thought pattern through, if one even exists for them at the outset.

WOKE - DEFINITION

: aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)

SHEEPLE - DEFINITION

: people who are docile, compliant, or easily influenced : people likened to sheep

SNOWFLAKE - DEFINITION

a: someone regarded or treated as unique or special

b: someone who is overly sensitive

Again, such regular usage of these terms against others, tends to show a conflicting problem and dichotomy.

If I'm WOKE, how can I be a SHEEPLE? If I'm a SNOWFLAKE, how can I be even be WOKE because I'm too busy being unique and special and wouldn't give a shit about anyone else, less the problems and challenges they face.

Here's the rub. WOKE has nothing to do with its original meaning by African-Americans. But like other terms in the English language (often hijacked by the American far-right), it has come to mean any opinion, action or deed deemed to challenge conservative and right-wing moral views on life and its politics. But conspiracy theories are okay!

In essence: don't be WOKE: like being aware, attentive to important facts and issues, challenging injustices, unless they bother you personally. You just might be labelled a lefty or crazy.