The term “woke” initially originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and referred to being aware or “awake” to social injustices, particularly those related to racial prejudice. It highlighted the need to stay informed, vigilant, and proactive in addressing these challenges faced by Black Americans.
However, in the current context, the term has been adopted and often misused by a wide range of people, distancing itself from its original meaning. On the internet, cultural terms can quickly turn into memes and lose their significance. This has happened to wokeness, as certain alt-right circles have used it mockingly to refer to individuals they perceive as “social justice warriors” or “SJWs.”
In the age of social media, activism has evolved, with the internet playing a role in raising awareness but also fostering “slactivism.” Many people participate in online causes but fail to take meaningful action in the real world. While hashtags may trend globally, they often lack a lasting commitment to create substantial change.
A recent study examined South African hashtags, such as #MenAreTrash and #WomenAreTrash, which aimed to draw attention to gender-based violence. However, these tags sparked debates and controversies. The study found that although many South Africans resonate with feminist values, the confrontational tone of #MenAreTrash hinders alignment. It also highlighted the insensitivity of the hashtag toward Black South African men due to enduring stereotypes. Additionally, the study revealed that attempts by some men to support the feminist cause were overshadowed by defensive #NotAllMen posts.
This skepticism extends to a broader skepticism of “hashtag activism.” A report by Pew Research found that most Americans believe that social media activists overestimate their impact on effecting change, with the majority thinking that such activism distracts from more significant concerns.
While hashtags can raise awareness, there is a growing consensus that they have limited efficacy in driving tangible societal change.
Interestingly, the concept of being woke has even permeated the dating world, where individuals may pretend to have knowledge or passion about certain topics to fit into a desirable narrative.
Moving forward, it is essential to be critical of the status quo, recognizing the necessity of democracy and vigilance to counterbalance unchecked power. However, in the pursuit of wokeness, it is crucial to avoid confirmation bias and actively seek verification of claims to combat misinformation.
Real-world changes are made in the real world, and grassroots activism often holds the key to genuine transformation. While sharing posts about global issues is convenient, there are countless opportunities to effect change in one’s immediate environment. Supporting local initiatives, volunteering, and attending town hall meetings can have a significant impact on one’s community. However, online activism also plays a role, as it can accelerate discourse and complement offline efforts.
In conclusion, there is nothing inherently wrong with being woke. It involves embracing awareness, empathy, and activism. In a world flooded with information, it is vital to discern fact from fiction and to move beyond online discourse to concrete actions. Meaningful change often begins at the local level, and genuine wokeness is about translating heightened awareness into impactful endeavors in the real world.
