Unveiling the True Origin of the Term "Woke"

Understanding the Republican Manipulation of the Term "Woke"

Photo Credit: National Museum of African American History

Issue #379 Education Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Every other Wednesday, we publish an article related to the topic of “Education.” Today, I’d like to educate you about the term “woke.”

The word and term "woke" originated in the Black community in the 1930s, but now the Republicans have co-opted the meaning of "woke" to fit their own political agenda.

To “stay woke" originally meant to keep aware of ongoing and never-ending social injustices and systemic oppression against Black Americans. Over time, "being woke" also evolved as a catch-all phrase for social awareness, encompassing various progressive causes and issues. This evolution has led to its widespread adoption across different communities and social movements.

The term "woke" gained traction in the popular lexicon during the Scottsboro Boys trial in the 1930s. The case, which involved nine African-American teenagers unjustly accused of assaulting two white women in Alabama, incited widespread public outrage and became a pivotal moment in American civil rights history. The blatant racial injustice evident in the trial ignited a heightened sense of social awareness and led to the popular usage of "woke" as a term signifying alertness to such injustices.

At the forefront of popularizing the term "woke" was the African-American musician Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter. He wrote a folk song called "Scottsboro Boys" in 1938, a poignant anthem that conveyed the unfair treatment of the nine teenagers and called for social justice.

The song’s lyrics, “I advise everybody, be a little careful when they go along through there—best stay woke, keep their eyes open,” served to immortalize the term "woke" in the context of social consciousness and justice.

The Republican party has played a significant role in distorting the meaning of "woke" for their own political agenda, especially using "woke" as a thinly veiled euphemism for anything "Black," for LGBT issues, and for anything related to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

By associating the term with extreme political correctness and excessive sensitivity, they have attempted to delegitimize the concept of social awareness and activism. This tactic aims to dismiss valid concerns regarding social inequality and maintain the status quo.

The Republican manipulation of the term "woke" has resulted in the policing of "woke" ideals. Any expression of social consciousness, critiques of systemic injustices, or acceptance of marginalized communities in any way is often criticized by conservatives as being "too woke." This tactic aims to stifle conversations on social issues and maintain the existing power structures.

However, when asked, most Republicans can't even actually describe "woke."

The term "woke" originated as a means to address social injustices and promote social awareness. By understanding the historical context and original connotations of the term, we can recognize the manipulation and reclaim its true meaning and the correct usage.

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