To The Reader’s Forum:

People on the right-wing of society, usually Republicans, use the word “woke” as, more or less, a derogatory word. An example is from Florida Gov. DeSantis who says Florida “is where ‘woke’ goes to die.”

So, what does “woke” mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “woke” as “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” The questions you ought to ask yourself are, “Do you really believe that becoming aware of, and attentive to important facts and issues is bad for you and, if so, why?”

Historically, “woke” is an old slang word, which originated in African American English (Black), and I wonder if its origination and eventual use by the Black Lives Matter movement are telling. That is, is the derogatory use of “woke” intended as an anti-Black slur rather than a word that ought to be relished by state education departments? It seems to me that synonyms for “woke” suggest it is positive – “awoke, awakened, aroused, stirred” – and would fit in well in American society if we want our children, and adults, to learn facts and act on them.

However, I’m concerned that people jump on the derogatory bandwagon simply because others use “woke” that way. Conservative columnist, Rich Lowry (P-J 3/1/23), suggests “woke” is derogatory, even “radical”, when the federal government wants to create an “approach to racial equity and support for underserved communities.” Lowrey infers that groups such as Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans and “other persons of color” should not be treated “equitably.” Further, he complains that a Black woman will be responsible for the government’s approach and suggests that the Black writer Ibram X. Kendi might as well head up the Office of Personnel Management.

To me, Lowrey’s column supports my “bandwagon” concern. Lowrey not only uses the word “woke” derogatorily but he raises anti-Black sentiment and calls on “every Republican running for President” to disband Biden’s plan “for underserved communities”, which is another way of promoting blind “white supremacy”.

I suggest people choose NOT to jump on “anti-woke” bandwagons, rather become “woke”. Fully learn about the facts of American history including racial and social justice. In the past two years I have become aware of facts I wish I had learned many years ago. Learn for yourself and let the values of right and wrong be your guide.

Jamestown