The Origins and Evolution of "Woke": A Cultural and Political Journey

The term "woke" has its roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), where it originally meant being awake or aware of social injustices, particularly those related to race. Its earliest uses can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when it was employed in Black communities to encourage vigilance against racial oppression and systemic inequality.

Early Uses:

The term gained prominence in the 1960s during the civil rights movement in the United States. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X used the concept of being "awake" to describe the need for Black Americans to recognise and resist systemic racism. The phrase "stay woke" was often used as a call to remain aware of societal injustices.

Musical Influence:

In the 2000s, the term was popularised in music and culture. For example, Erykah Badu’s 2008 song “Master Teacher" included the line, "I stay woke," which reinforced the idea of being socially and politically aware.

Black Lives Matter Movement:

The term "woke" gained widespread recognition during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which began in 2013 following the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer. BLM activists used "woke" to describe a heightened awareness of systemic racism, police brutality, and social inequality. It became a rallying cry for those advocating for racial justice and equity.

Why Some People Fear or Criticise "Woke"

1. Misunderstanding or Misrepresentation: Many people fear "woke" because they misunderstand it or it has been misrepresented to them. Critics often frame "woke" as an extreme or radical ideology, leading to concerns about overreach or intolerance. This misrepresentation is amplified by media and political rhetoric, which portray "woke" as a threat to societal norms.

2. Perceived Threat to Tradition:

For some, "woke" values challenge traditional norms, beliefs, or power structures. This can create fear among those who feel their way of life, cultural heritage, or societal roles are under threat. In Britain, for example, debates over colonialism and historical statues have sparked fears that "woke" ideologies seek to erase national history and identity.

3. Cancel Culture:

The concept of "woke" is often associated with "cancel culture," where individuals or institutions face public backlash or consequences for perceived offensive behaviour or statements. This can make people fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing, leading to accusations of stifling free speech. In both the U.S. and Britain, high-profile cases of no-platforming or academic dismissals have fuelled this perception.

4. Political Polarisation:

In some political contexts, "woke" has been weaponised as a pejorative term to criticise progressive policies or social movements. Politicians, particularly in conservative circles, use "anti-woke" rhetoric to galvanise their base. In the U.S., figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have made "anti-woke" policies a cornerstone of their platforms, while in Britain, the Conservative Party has framed "woke" as a threat to British values and free speech.

5. Overgeneralisation:

Some people fear "woke" because they perceive it as a blanket label that dismisses nuance or individual perspectives. They may feel pressured to conform to certain ideologies or risk being ostracised. This lack of dialogue exacerbates polarisation and deepens divisions.

6. Media and Social Media Influence:

Sensationalised media coverage and social media debates often amplify extreme examples of "woke" behaviour, leading to exaggerated fears about its impact on society. In Britain, right-wing tabloids like ‘The Daily Mail’ and ‘The Sun’ frequently publish stories critical of "woke" culture, framing it as an attack on British identity. Similarly, in the U.S., conservative media outlets portray "woke" as a radical and dangerous movement.

7. Resistance to Change:

Fear of "woke" can also stem from a broader resistance to societal change. People may feel uncomfortable with the pace or direction of progress, especially if it challenges their worldview. This is particularly evident in debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI USA, EDI UK) initiatives, which some perceive as favouring marginalised groups at their expense.

Amplification in Britain:

In Britain, the backlash against "woke" is deeply tied to the country’s unique cultural and historical context. Politicians, media, and far-right groups have amplified fears about "woke" ideologies, framing them as a threat to British heritage, free speech, and social cohesion.

Colonial Legacy:

Britain’s colonial history is a central flashpoint in the "anti-woke" backlash. Movements to decolonise education, remove statues of colonial figures (like Cecil Rhodes), or acknowledge the legacy of slavery are often met with fierce resistance. The toppling of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 became a symbol of this debate.

National Identity:

Critics argue that "woke" ideologies challenge the narrative of Britain as a benevolent global power, leading to fears that acknowledging past injustices undermines national pride. This is often framed as a clash between preserving tradition and embracing progress.

Political Strategy:

The Conservative Party and its leaders, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have criticised "woke" culture as a threat to British values. The government took steps to push back against "woke" ideologies, such as opposing the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in schools and introducing measures to protect free speech on campuses.

Far-Right and Populist Movements:

Far-right groups in Britain, such as the Reform Party, have capitalised on anti-"woke" sentiment to promote their agendas. They frame "woke" as a threat to British culture and identity, often using xenophobic and nationalist rhetoric.

Media Influence: 

British tabloids and right-wing media outlets frequently publish stories critical of "woke" culture, portraying it as an un-British import from the U.S. This framing taps into broader anxieties about globalisation and the erosion of national identity.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the fear of "woke" often reflects deeper anxieties about identity, power, and societal change. While some criticisms of "woke" culture are valid (e.g., concerns about performative activism or lack of dialogue), much of the fear is rooted in misunderstanding, resistance to change, and efforts to preserve existing power dynamics. In both the U.S. and Britain, the backlash against "woke" has been amplified by politicians, media, and far-right groups, turning it into a polarising and often misunderstood term. This has fuelled division in society, making it difficult to have constructive conversations about race, justice, and equality.