Wokeism: What Does It Mean, Why Is It Important, And Why We Need To Support It

Wokeism is a term used to describe a social and political movement that seeks to address and correct social injustices, inequality, and discrimination. It emphasizes recognizing and challenging systemic issues, like racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. The movement is associated with promoting empathy, inclusivity, and awareness of diverse perspectives.

“Wokeism” is a term derived from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) expression “stay woke,” which means to remain aware and vigilant of social and political issues. It has since evolved to describe a broader social and political movement advocating for social justice, equality, and the dismantling of systemic discrimination. The origins of Wokeism can be traced back to the Civil Rights Movement, but it has gained significant momentum in recent years.

“Woke” or “wokeness” is a term used to describe a way of thinking that focuses on being aware of and fighting against social injustices. It’s like being aware that not everyone is treated fairly in our society, and trying to do something about it.

It’s important to note that “wokeism” is not an official term or organization, but rather a concept that has gained

For example, if you notice that someone is being treated unfairly because of their skin color, being “woke” means speaking up and doing something to help them. It’s like being a superhero who fights for what’s right and fair!

Some people might not like the idea of wokeness because they don’t think there’s a problem with how things are. But being aware of and fighting against unfairness is an important part of making our world a better place for everyone.

Introduction

The present era sees an ever-increasing awareness of social issues; people today are more sensitive toward injustice, discrimination, and all types of prejudice. We are more willing to fight those things than at any other time in our history. 

The fight for social justice, equal rights, and equal opportunity can fall into several frameworks from which most of us operate. Through these frameworks and prisms, we can understand the fundamental problems and issues, understand what is at stake, and employ better strategies to fight for a better future. 

Among those strategies, wokeism is probably one of the more prominent today due to some reasons. It is employed by those who belong to the younger strata of society, one that is very culturally aware and aware of social issues mainly due to available technologies that allow them to read about vital concerns of the day. 

They are also the most active social media users, serving as a virtual platform in our fight against injustice, intolerance, and discrimination. “Wokes” can participate in the discussion and exchange ideas about the day’s issues, making them even more aware and educated. 

But what is Woke Culture exactly, and why is it essential that we become aware of it? How does it help us understand different cultures and our fight for social justice, tolerance, and equality? 

What is Woke Culture?  

Wokeism is a term derived from the word “woke,” which initially meant being aware of social and political issues, particularly around race and injustice. The concept of Wokeism has expanded to encompass a broader range of social issues such as gender, sexuality, and environmental concerns.

What does it mean to be woke? First used in the 1930s, it was part of the lexicon of the American left, but now primarily refers to the millennial generation active in discussing some social issues.

Unity in Diversity

The usual woke definition is that of a person who exhibits attitudes and behavior keenly “sensitive to political and social injustice.” That may be an extensive definition, so it is better to narrow down some of its aspects. 

What are the political and social injustices being talked about here? It can be everything that we fought against in the last century or two. Political oppression, such as denial of political rights and civil liberties to other people, including, but not limited to, free speech, freedom of expression, voting, and rights to education, and others. 

We are fighting against racial injustice and all forms of racial discrimination, including but not limited to racial inequality. Fighting against denial of rights, and fighting discrimination against a particular race, color, or ethnicity. 

Fighting for gender equality, which includes, but again, is not limited to fighting for gender inclusivity in society, such as in work and education; fighting for greater rights. Fighting against gender discrimination in all of its forms, and promoting equal representation in work, media, and others. 

Wokes fight injustice concerning those issues but are not limited to it. But how do the wokes exhibit those attitudes and behavior? In short, what do the wokes do to qualify them as such? 

The defining behavior of those belonging to Woke Culture is that they are active participants in the fight against injustice. Wokes are not just passive observers of what is happening. They make their mark and manifest their agreement or disagreement concerning particular acts, especially those many deem unjust.

Celebrating Women’s Day in Barcelona, Spain.

Due to the prevalence of technology and social media, the expression of political acts is now broader. Whereas before, people expressed their fight against injustice through various political acts such as voting or rallies, today, it is now possible to express it through various social media platforms.

They express their attitudes on social media, commenting on issues and adding their voices to those promoting the fight for justice or condemning the social and political injustice today. By showing solidarity with others, they show the world that those fighting injustice can rely on real numbers and people.

But these are for preliminaries. They express solidarity by joining protests and marches when push comes to shove. That, again, is in condemnation of particular injustice or support of a particular policy promoting equality and social justice. 

But support is not limited to these activities. They show solidarity with individuals promoting social justice causes by propagating the message of justice, social equality, and equal rights and protection for all. 

Going back to woke definition, we can describe it as the culture of active participation in disseminating discourse meant to fight all forms of political, racial, and gender oppression, and diversity. Of course, the ultimate goal is to promote social justice, equal rights, and better protection against formerly discriminated groups. 

1. Gender Pay Gap: In 2020, women earned 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, a 16% pay gap (Source: Pew Research Center). Wokeism aims to raise awareness about such inequalities and advocate for equal pay for equal work.
2. Racial Inequality: People of color are more likely to experience poverty in the United States. In 2020, 19.5% of Black individuals and 17.0% of Hispanic individuals lived in poverty, compared to 7.7% of non-Hispanic white individuals (Source: U.S. Census Bureau). Wokeism seeks to address these disparities and support policies that reduce poverty and promote economic opportunity for all.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights: In a 2020 study, 86% of LGBTQ+ students reported experiencing verbal harassment at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (Source: GLSEN National School Climate Survey). Wokeism aims to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ individuals by promoting education and understanding around these issues.

The Rise of Wokeism

Social Media Influence: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have allowed activists to share information, mobilize supporters, and amplify their voices. For example, the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag has been used over 30 million times on Twitter since its inception in 2013.

Political Climate and Polarization: In recent years, the political climate has become increasingly polarized, with social issues taking center stage in elections and policy debates. This has both fueled and been fueled by the rise of Wokeism.

Increasing Awareness of Social Inequalities: Data from the World Bank shows that income inequality has been on the rise in many OECD countries, sparking public outrage and prompting calls for systemic change.B. Key Movements and Activists Leading the Wokeism Movement

Black Lives Matter: Founded in 2013 after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, the movement has grown to encompass issues of police brutality, racial profiling, and systemic racism, with protests taking place in over 60 countries.

#MeToo: Launched in 2017, this movement has raised awareness of sexual harassment and assault, encouraging millions of survivors to share their stories and demand change.

Environmental and Climate Change Activism: Activists like Greta Thunberg have brought attention to the urgent need for climate action, inspiring millions to join in protests and demand more ambitious environmental policies from their governments.C. Case Study: The Impact of Wokeism on the 2020 US Presidential Election

The Benefits and Advantages of Wokeism

1. Policy Changes: Wokeism has contributed to policy changes such as increased police accountability and the removal of Confederate statues in the US. In Canada, the government has committed to addressing systemic racism within its institutions.
2. Shifts in Public Opinion: A 2020 Pew Research Center survey found that 69% of Americans now believe that racial and ethnic discrimination is a significant problem in their country, up from 49% in 2015. This shift in public opinion can be attributed, in part, to the influence of the Wokeism movement.
3. Workplace and Educational Reforms: Wokeism has led to increased diversity and inclusion efforts in workplaces and educational institutions. For example, companies like Google and Microsoft have implemented unconscious bias training to promote fair hiring practices.
4. The Role of Intersectionality in Fostering Inclusivity: By acknowledging the interconnected nature of social issues, Wokeism encourages a more inclusive approach to activism. This has resulted in more comprehensive policy proposals and greater solidarity among different social groups
5. International Collaborations and Campaigns: Wokeism has inspired cross-border collaborations, such as the Global Climate Strike in 2019, which saw millions of people in over 150 countries take to the streets to demand climate action.
6. The Impact of Wokeism on International Relations and Diplomacy: The movement has also influenced foreign policy, with countries like Canada and the European Union adopting more progressive stances on issues like climate change, migration, and human rights.

Criticisms, Concerns, and Challenges of Wokeism

Accusations of Virtue Signaling and Performative Activism

Some critics argue that Wokeism can lead to superficial support for social causes, with individuals and organizations engaging in virtue signaling rather than taking meaningful action. For example, companies may change their logos during Pride Month but fail to implement policies that support LGBTQ+ employees.

Political Backlash and the Rise of Anti-Wokeism Sentiment

The rise of Wokeism has also led to a backlash, with some groups accusing the movement of promoting political correctness at the expense of free speech. This has led to the emergence of counter-movements, such as the so-called “Intellectual Dark Web,” which opposes what they perceive as the stifling of open discourse by Wokeism.

The Risk of Oversimplification and the “Cancel Culture” Phenomenon

Another concern is the potential for Wokeism to oversimplify complex issues, leading to the rise of “cancel culture,” where individuals or organizations are publicly shamed and ostracized for perceived transgressions. Critics argue that this can create a culture of fear and stifle productive debate.

Wokeism and Religion – Striking a Balance

In recent years, a new sociopolitical trend has risen to prominence: “wokeism”. Although the term has different interpretations, it generally pertains to the heightened awareness about social and political injustices, particularly concerning racial and social inequality. As per a study conducted by the Diversity for Social Impact in 2022, 63% of millennials globally claimed to support the values championed by wokeism, a testament to its increasing influence.

On the other hand, religions across the world have always played an essential role in shaping societal norms and values. According to the Pew Research Center in 2022, about 86% of the world’s population identifies with a religious group. However, as wokeism gains popularity, a conflict between these two potent cultural forces seems to have ensued, prompting a profound international discourse.

Wokeism vs Religion: The Conflict

The conflict between wokeism and religion, in essence, revolves around their disparate perspectives on several issues. Wokeism tends to challenge traditional values, while religion often seeks to uphold them.

To illustrate, consider a potter molding clay. Here, wokeism is like the potter’s hands, constantly reshaping and reinventing societal norms (the clay), while religion is like the potter’s wheel, providing a steady and constant base around which the clay is formed.

For instance, a survey conducted in the UK in 2023 showed a rising tension between the Anglican Church and supporters of wokeism over issues like LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and women’s rights.

A similar trend can be observed across different religions and countries, as revealed by a 2023 Diversity for Social Impact study, where 53% of respondents in G7 countries reported feeling a conflict between their religious beliefs and woke values.

Finding a Middle Ground

Despite the seeming conflict, there are possibilities for reconciliation. In the USA, Canada, and several European nations, a number of religious groups are already beginning to adapt to woke ideologies, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive interpretation of religious texts. As per a 2023 Pew Research study, 71% of religious Americans believe that their faith can coexist with woke values.

The tale of Reverend Jack, a pastor from Australia, paints a vivid picture. Reverend Jack, known for his traditional sermons, began to witness a dwindling congregation due to his rigid stance on social issues. Upon recognizing this, he embraced a more progressive interpretation of the Bible, accommodating woke values into his teachings. Consequently, his congregation began to flourish once more.

The Asian Perspective

In contrast to the Western experience, Asian nations like Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong show a different trend. A 2023 study conducted by the Diversity for Social Impact revealed that 56% of people from these countries feel that wokeism and their religious beliefs can coexist without any conflict.

This might be attributed to the inherent flexibility in Asian religions like Buddhism and Shintoism, which allows for a more harmonious coexistence with the progressive values of wokeism.

Religion and wokeism, two potent cultural forces, undoubtedly have the potential to coexist and perhaps even complement each other, as seen in the various examples worldwide.

While conflicts may persist, they serve as catalysts for dialogue, fostering an environment that encourages growth and inclusivity. As society continues to evolve, we may witness an increasing convergence of these two forces, leading to a more equitable world.

Why Do We Need Woke Culture? 

Martin Luther King said in his famous speech that there are self-evident things, and equality for all is such a thing. For this reason alone, we need Woke Culture. We must always be aware of the menace of discrimination and political, social, racial, and gender oppression. 

Women’s March, but other genders show their solidarity.

Though we have made great strides in our fight for social justice, much work still needs to be done. Especially now, in the past few years, various elements have wanted to turn back the hands of time, and society seems to be threatening to regress to its old, oppressive ways. 

The emergence of Woke Culture, in part, can be traced back to those events of nearly a decade ago, when racial injustice once again hit the headlines due to the racial violence committed against Blacks. The increasing violence committed by the State against the marginalized reinforces the view that we still have a long way to go. 

Woke Culture served as the primary antidote and arrested what seems to be a drive to go back to that era of repression, oppression, discrimination, and injustice. It reminds us that there are still social issues we should be aware of, like human rights violations, which is on the rise, especially with the emergence of rightist regimes worldwide. 

The need for it is even more crucial because opponents of social justice and equal rights do have access to the same platform used by wokes. They can also propagate their ideas and disseminate them to fence-sitters and others on the margins of political discourse.

In short, there is a battle for the hearts and minds of the general public. And as the days go by, the battle becomes intense, and it becomes imperative that we support the fight for social justice in any way we can. 

As shown by events in the last few years, victory for social justice is never certain; those who are anti-wokes, people who are against the rights of the marginalized, made headway and achieved political power. 

Such events threaten to throw us back and reverse all the successes we have in the fight against oppression and discrimination. Therefore, we must also remain vigilant so that, more than preserving success, we can make even more significant strides in the overall fight for a better future for all of us. 

For these reasons, it is more than evident that we need Woke Culture and must actively promote and participate in it. 

How Does Woke Culture Promote Tolerance?

That we need Woke Culture is evident in its success in promoting tolerance in our country and worldwide. It made us aware of the significant differences between people and, at the same time, allowed us to tolerate and live with those differences. 

The example provided by sports makes us fully aware of Woke Culture’s importance. In the NBA, for instance, if not for wokes in the media and the activism of its players, people intolerant of others may still have a significant say in the league, and racism might be rearing its ugly head in the league up till today.  

In 2014, an NBA owner was forced out of the league and sold his franchise because of racist remarks. All are put on record and passed on to a media outlet sympathetic to the cause. 

The NBA made the headlines the past decade for all the wrong reasons. 

Another one is in hot water today and might take the same route due to misdemeanors, racism, sexism, and intolerant behavior against his employees. The league came far short, but that it took the flak for mishandling the affair is a testament to the public’s awareness of the issue. 

Athletes were one in bashing the league, and the media had a field day in criticism of how the league handled it. But what is glaring is how active the employees are in giving testimonies against the intolerant behavior of the owner. 

That suggests that overall, Woke Culture is effective in educating and promoting tolerance and informing the people on the issue. They are no longer afraid to enforce and criticize what needs criticizing. 

And Woke Culture is very effective in safeguarding the victories for tolerance. They help in enforcing guidelines that promote tolerance overall. Examples are the promotion of inclusivity in the workplace through inclusive language and promoting architectural designs suited for employees. 

But the success of Woke Culture in promoting intolerance is evident in the way they criticized intolerant behavior against minorities and people previously discriminated against, as our examples suggest. 

True enough, the sports world has become the prime example of tolerance. They facilitate inclusivity, accept many people of various backgrounds, especially minorities and blacks, and give employment opportunities to other genders qualified to hold whatever positions. 

Media duly reported on the scandal, and the wokes diligently followed the issue of racism in the NBA.

The traditional and social media discourse makes inclusivity and tolerance a central issue in sports and others. Because of Woke Culture, the discussion of those things resonate loudly across the body politic; the result is further inclusivity and tolerance in our society. 

What are the signs of cultural awakening, and how do they compare to the early stages of a revolution? 

Woke Culture promotes tolerance and better overall for our fight for social justice and greater inclusivity because participating in discourse promotes a kind of cultural awakening. Cultural awakening is the awareness of your culture, social situation, and others different from you. 

Having cultural awakening makes us mindful of being different and aware of the need for solidarity. It also makes us aware of our prejudices and helps to correct misconceptions arising from differences as individuals and of differences brought about by belonging to a different cultural milieu. 

We can compare it to the early stages of a Revolution, where the awareness that something is wrong and needs to change precipitates social movements. But there is a vast gulf separating them regarding strategy and overall goals. 

In cultural awakening, you recognize what is wrong. Still, you also recognize that what is wrong is mainly due to prejudices per se, which ultimately brought all those oppressive and discriminating structures. 

In short, an attitude towards culture is needed to effect societal changes and promote justice and equality. A cultural awakening can take account of factors such as generational socio-political shift, gender, cultural and historical milieu, and the like. 

Those advocating for Revolution, however, always consider power relations and structures within the society. The idea of change outside revolutionary violence seems complicated because you need to dismantle those relations and structures before you can effect changes. 

There lies the difference between cultural awakening vs. Revolution. A cultural awakening can reinforce changes in body politic through the effectiveness of discourse. Revolution, meanwhile, can be genuinely effective by effecting monumental changes by destroying the power relations and structures and building new ones. 

But cultural awakening can also lead to revolutionary change, in the sense that it can affect monumental changes through a gradual but titanic shift. But what is crucial is understanding cultural and environmental factors more than assessing existing power relations and structures. 

What Does Cultural Awakening Means For Our Democracy? 

Its critics see Wokeism as a way of cultural awakening as dangerous to democracy. For those critics, it undermines democracy because it contradicts our cherished democratic ideals. Nothing, however, can be further from the truth. 

Social justice and equality for all never run counter to the idea of democracy, and they are never opposed to the idea of democracy as expounded by our Founding Fathers. If ever, the fight against oppression, whether political or social, is the hallmark, the defining feature of our democratic ideals. 

By fighting for social justice and equality, as promoted by woke culture, we make democracy relevant and democratic ideals more alive than ever. Nothing beats the idea of democracy than having all the rights of a privileged class or majority denied to others. 

Despite what the critics say, the ballot remains an effective tool for political and social reforms. 

As Martin Luther King said in his immortal speech, there must be equality for all, and one must never be denied it by birth, race, age, gender, or membership in any cultural or racial minority. If democracy has any foundation, equality and fundamental rights for all should be the one. 

But the idea of cultural awakening vs. democracy is only the latest strategy by those who want to delegitimize Woke Culture. In truth, that is already an old strategy: even proponents of slavery in the south used democracy in maintaining that “peculiar” institution, and later, in their decision to secede from the Union. 

Woke culture and democracy are never opposed to each other. If ever, by affording democratic rights to all people and protecting people from oppression, we make democracy more vibrant than ever. 

How To Be An Ally In Woke Culture

To engage with Wokeism constructively, individuals can focus on active listening, empathy, and respectful disagreement. By seeking common ground and avoiding personal attacks, it is possible to foster meaningful conversations that lead to positive change.

While activism is essential, it is also crucial to prioritize self-care and mental health. Taking breaks from social media, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support from friends and family can help maintain well-being and prevent burnout.

By embracing intersectionality and recognizing the interconnected nature of social issues, individuals can help create a more inclusive and effective Wokeism movement. This may involve educating oneself about different social issues, supporting other marginalized groups, and promoting policies that address multiple forms of discrimination.

Among the things you can do to be an ally of wokes are: 

Education and Awareness

You need to be aware of the vital issues of the day, especially concerning political and social injustice. If possible, research and orient yourself to things that matter to the oppressed, marginalized, and discriminated against. These issues are vital for the wokes, their central advocacy. 

Build Relationships with Them 

To understand better their advocacies, communicate and talk to them; make some inquiries. You can understand their advocacy better and learn something from them if you have an open line. Show your willingness to be an ally by participating in discussion and discourse. 

Nothing beats teamwork, even in the struggle for reforms and social justice. 

Propagate Strategies That Promote Social Justice 

Being a woke ally means you have to help them and not just sympathize with their cause or advocacies. One way of doing so is to promote strategies in the fight for social justice and equality. You can attend workshops and then apply things you have learned in your community. 

Or you can try to propagate inclusivity in your workplace or promote inclusive language in schools, workplaces, or communities. Those strategies are of great help; if practiced by the majority of individuals, they can go a long way in helping the wokes promote social justice. 

Helping Them Organize 

We fight for equality and rights for all, but not all have the same means nor the same talent to do so. Some can do it alone, while others do it with the help of others. Do it if they need your help organizing the fight for a better cause. 

They may need your skills in organizing talent and speakers, or they may need your connections. Organizations need money to function. Whatever it is that you can contribute, sure, it can go a long way. 

Help in Bridging Cultures and Communities

One thing that remains a stumbling block to wokes for unity in the fight for social justice is ignorance. That leads to prejudices that lead to invisible walls that divide people and culture. Try to dismantle those invisible walls by helping people bridge their personal and cultural differences through knowledge and understanding. 

Once people learn to understand and the veil of ignorance is lifted, people will know they have so much in common with their fellows, despite all the differences. Prejudices will go away, and inclusivity and tolerance in the community will follow. 

Help Resolve Conflict and Differences. 

The wokes, much as they have similarities, are different. There are disagreements in terms of strategies and even goals. It would be best if you help resolve conflicts emanating from the desire for a better future. 

You can do your part by not engaging and promoting divisiveness within the ranks. Please reach out to conflicting groups and explain that unity is a must in the fight for social justice, equal rights, and opportunities. 

Help Them In Building Communities. 

Wokes want a better society and future, and slowly but surely, they are building communities that promote inclusivity, equal rights, and social justice. Some communities might be virtual, like in social media, while others are there in your communities, like those groups promoting rights for LGBTQ+. 

Whatever the case, it is a daunting task, and they need all the help. Always be there to lend a hand in wokes’ efforts to build a community free of oppression and injustice. 

The Woke Culture belongs to certain people having the same age, attitudes, and behavior. You need not be like them, but it would help to have some “cultural appropriation,” at least regarding their advocacies. It can go a long way if others share their advocacies and promote them. 

Five Ways To Recruit More People Into Woke Culture

Among the things you can do to help the wokes in their advocacies and recruit more people into woke culture are: 

Be Supportive of Them

Many people share wokes’ advocacies and are willing to fight for them. The problem is they do not know how to do it, and sometimes, they feel out of place doing those things. If you ever know some people who are afraid to speak up, tell them that it is ok, that their rights are protected, and you are willing to fight for them. 

Having a “white ally,” or those people who seem privileged, should not pose a problem. In truth, most people are for social justice; otherwise, no progress is possible. But some are not confident in speaking up; others are afraid. Giving them your support is a must. 

Organize 

You can recruit better if you organize, for it means they can rely on your support and have the means to back them up when push comes to shove. Having an organization means you can deal with others more decisively and have the means to walk the talk. 

Be Active 

It will be hard to convince other people of Woke Culture if you are not enthusiastic about participating. Since you are recruiting, they are taking your cue, and how can you convince them that the fight for social justice is worth it if you are not active in it? So you need to walk the talk too and be active. 

Be Truthful and Rational. 

We are fighting for what is right, for social justice. Lies and irrationality, therefore, have no place in the Woke Culture discourse. You have to be as truthful as possible and employ rationality and logic in convincing others of the rightness of the cause. 

You will not err if you defend what is right using truth and reason, for there is no need to deceive in fighting for a just cause, and the need to fight for what is right is as rational as it can be. Once issues become apparent, people will see your point, and you can win them. 

Learn to Respect 

In the same way, if you want others to respect your boundaries, you should respect theirs too. Convincing need not be forceful, for the truthfulness and rationality of your arguments will make people see the light, one way or another. 

You need not be impolite and judgmental if people do not see the way you see, for some things take some time. It takes a while to educate people on being an ally and to let go of long-cherished prejudices. But those who believe in truth and rationality will eventually eliminate prejudices. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Being Woke? 

If being woke is easy, has no accompanying hassles, and has all the perks, everyone would be in the Woke Culture. But there are significant disadvantages to being woke. 

One of them is the experience of fatigue, some “post wokeness.” Wokes sometimes get tired of fighting for social justice, especially for those experiencing setbacks in the fight for justice and equality. 

People protesting in Poland. 

More often, it can take a toll on the wokes, and sometimes, if victory is not in sight, they see the activity as futile; they lose heart in fighting. 

More serious is that individuals can be singled out for fighting for what is right. History has been full of examples of people getting the short end of the stick for fighting for a just cause, and today is no exemption. 

People can lose their jobs or experience ridicule for standing for social justice. That is why it is imperative that there is a support group and that you support organizing by wokes or by everyone fighting for the cause. Even if we fight for social justice, fighting alone or with a few is always lonely. 

There are severe consequences for being woke, and the more serious you are, the more you invest in it, and the more it can be disappointing if you suffer those setbacks. Ultimately, we need to rely on our fellows to ensure that we can see through it and get past all the troubles. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: The Importance of Woke Culture and Why We Need It In Society 

Woke Culture is the latest framework and strategy that helps us fight against oppression, discrimination, and racism. Practiced mainly by the younger generation, it keeps all of us aware of the need to be vigilant against those who want to throw us back into dark ages of inequality and oppression. 

Pride March

We need it. After all, the fight for social justice never ends because some will not let go of privileged status and will deprive others of their rights. We need it because victory is only possible if the last vestiges of oppression, discrimination, and inequality are no longer there. 

Woke Culture makes us vigilant, especially when we become complacent and think we have finally won the battle. The woke culture reminds us that there are still a lot of battles left that we need to win. 

References: 

1. Pew Research Center. (2022). Race in America 2020. Retrieved from https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2020/06/12/race-in-america-2020/
2. World Bank. (2023). World Development Indicators: Income Inequality. Retrieved from https://databank.worldbank.org/reports.aspx?source=world-development-indicators
3. Black Lives Matter. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/
4. Me Too Movement. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://metoomvmt.org/about/
5. Global Climate Strike. (2019). Global Climate Strike. Retrieved from https://globalclimatestrike.net/
6. Diversity for Social Impact. (n.d.). Resources. Retrieved from https://diversity.social/resources/
7. Google. (n.d.). Unconscious Bias @ Work. Retrieved from https://rework.withgoogle.com/guides/unbiasing-raise-awareness/steps/introduction-unconscious-bias-work/
8. Microsoft. (2023). Inclusive Hiring. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/inside-microsoft/cross-disability/hiring.aspx
9. Thunberg, G. (2019). No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference. London, UK: Penguin Books.
10. Intellectual Dark Web. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://intellectualdarkweb.site/about/
11. Pew Research Center. (2022). Americans, Politics, and Social Media. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/10/15/americans-politics-and-social-media/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/wokeism

https://www.nationalworld.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/what-does-woke-mean-definition-woke-culture-2022-3215758

https://www.grin.com/document/159865

https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/be-an-ally/main

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-40414375