The Changing Definitions of "Woke"
The term "woke" once symbolized a heightened awareness of social injustices, especially those related to racial inequality, and discrimination. It began in the African American community where it meant being socially conscious, vigilant, and alert to injustices around you. However, over time, the meaning of "woke" has morphed into something much more complex, and now its interpretation can vary dramatically depending on who's using it.
In today's political landscape, "woke" has become a loaded term that often stirs strong emotions and sparks heated debates. The evolution of the definition seems to be a difficult topic for some to discuss. In fact, when I reached out to over a dozen politicians for their take on the word, most declined or ignored my request for interviews. The silence was telling. However, Alabama's House Minority Leader, Anthony Daniels, accepted my interview request and described the term "woke" as possessing an "in-depth understanding of what's going on around you." “It goes beyond just surface-level knowledge,†Daniels explained. For Daniels, the term still retains its original meaning of awareness—particularly when it comes to social issues.
His interpretation, however,Ìý he said stands in stark contrast to how some others, particularly in conservative political circles, have seemingly redefined the word.
Tommy Tuberville, Alabama’s Republican senator on Capitol Hill sent me a written statement in which he cited one of the two definitions of "woke" listed in the Webster Dictionary: "politically liberal," especially in the context of racial and social justice issues that are seen as "extreme or unreasonable."
From the perspective of many Republicans and conservatives, "woke" now represents a negative force—one associated with radical left-wing ideologies, anti-diversity programs, and political correctness. "The woke movement promotes divisive, harmful, and racist ideology designed to poison the minds of people. It tells us that men can get pregnant, boys should play in women’s sports, and that America is a ‘systemically racist’ country,†Senator Tuberville explained in his statement.
