I'm Woke & Proud

How "woke" transformed from awareness or injustice to a right wing slur on caring and inclusion.

Jun 23, 2025

The term "woke" has undergone a significant transformation. What began as a call for awareness to social injustices, particularly racial, has morphed into a loaded catch-all. For many, it's now synonymous with being overly sensitive, politically correct, or even radical. Yet, I embrace it and all that it stands for.

For me, "woke" simply means being awake to the realities of our world.

It signifies an acknowledgement that society is not always equitable, that historical injustices continue to have repercussions, and that certain groups still face systemic disadvantages. It requires recognising that our individual experiences, while valid, do not encompass everyone's reality.

Before delving into what "woke" means to me, let us briefly consider the political landscape that frequently employs this term.

Understanding Left versus Right Politics

Discussions of "Left" and "Right" in politics can appear complex, but at their core, they represent distinct philosophies on societal structure and priorities.

The "Right" (Conservative Perspective):

Emphasis on the Individual & Tradition
This viewpoint prioritises individual responsibility for success and well-being. It values tradition, established institutions, and often emphasises personal freedom with minimal government intervention, particularly in economic pursuits.

Lower Taxes, Limited Government
The premise is that reduced taxation allows individuals to retain more capital for spending and investment, thereby stimulating the economy. This perspective typically advocates for a smaller governmental role in areas such as healthcare, education, or social support, believing private enterprise or charities are more effective.

“Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps”
This idiom encapsulates a core belief: that diligent effort alone ensures success, and personal struggles are primarily individual responsibilities.

The "Left" (Liberal/Progressive Perspective)

Emphasis on Community & Equality
This perspective asserts society's collective responsibility to ensure equitable opportunities for all. It focuses on mitigating inequalities and guaranteeing fundamental needs are met across the population.

More Government Support, Fairer Distribution
Here, government is viewed as a vital instrument for creating a more level playing field. This might mean higher taxes to fund universal healthcare, public education, robust social safety nets, and programmes designed to assist those in need.

“We Are All in This Together”
This phrase captures the essence of shared responsibility, that the collective well-being of the community directly impacts every individual, and significant challenges like poverty, climate change, or discrimination necessitate collective action.

Why the "Right" Often Fails Ordinary People

While both political ideologies present valid arguments, for the majority of everyday citizens, working families, students, those starting out, or simply those striving to make ends meet; the core tenets of the "Right" frequently do not translate into tangible daily benefits.

The Limited Reach of "Trickle-Down" Economics
The theory that tax reductions for the wealthy and large corporations will "trickle down" to ordinary people through job creation and higher wages rarely materialises effectively or swiftly. Instead, wealth often concentrates at the top, leaving many struggling.

Insufficient Support in Times of Need
When facing illness, job loss, or the challenge of affording quality education for children, a system with diminished government support leaves individuals largely unaided. This can lead to profound stress and financial instability, escalating personal setbacks into severe crises.

The Fallacy of "Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps"

This adage suggests that sheer willpower and hard work suffice to overcome any obstacle. While diligence is crucial, for countless ordinary people, this notion is a fallacy. It ignores the disparate starting points and significant systemic barriers they encounter.

Unequal Starting Lines
Consider a race where some participants begin at the actual start, others 100 metres behind it, and some are burdened with literal weights. This illustrates societal disparities. Individuals born into poverty often contend with underfunded schools, limited access to nutritious food, unsafe neighbourhoods, and restricted family resources for essentials like tutoring or healthcare. These are not personal failings; they are systemic disadvantages.

Systemic Barriers
Beyond individual effort, powerful systems can impede progress. Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability can make securing employment, promotions, or even fair housing a constant uphill battle, irrespective of one's skills or work ethic. Viable, well-paying jobs are not universally available, and automation can eliminate livelihoods. Furthermore, crushing debt from education or medical emergencies can become an insurmountable barrier, regardless of personal resolve.

Unforeseen Life Events
Life is unpredictable. A sudden illness, a natural disaster, a job redundancy due to economic downturns, or an unexpected family crisis can derail even the most diligent person, often through no fault of their own. Without adequate social safety nets, such events can be catastrophic.

Prioritising Profit Over People

A strong emphasis on unregulated markets can lead to corporations prioritising profits over environmental protection, worker safety, or fair wages. These decisions directly impact the health, stability, and quality of life for ordinary citizens.

For the majority of us, who are not multi-millionaires or corporate executives, a society that prioritises shared well-being, a robust safety net, and genuine equal opportunity typically offers greater stability and security in our daily lives. It recognises that people often require a ladder, not merely bootstraps, and that some ladders must be constructed collectively for the benefit of all.

Deconstructing "Woke" - where did it come from and how did it become a derogatory label?

The word "woke" is frequently deployed as an insult, often by those who may not fully understand its origins or meaning. However, let us examine its actual implications, its journey, and why I consider its core attributes overwhelmingly positive.

Where does "Woke" come from?

The term "woke" is not new. It originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the early to mid-20th century. Initially, it meant being alert to racial injustice and discrimination. Phrases like "stay woke" served as a crucial warning for Black communities to remain vigilant about systemic racism and police brutality, particularly in the United States. This meaning gained wider prominence around 2014, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, where it became a call to action for broader social justice.

Why is it being used as a derogatory term?

This is where the term's journey takes a sharp turn. Over recent years, particularly from around 2017-2019 onwards, "woke" has been increasingly co-opted and weaponised by political commentators and groups primarily on the right. It has been transformed into a catch-all insult, often applied to:

Anything perceived as "left-leaning" or "progressive."
Calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discussions about historical injustices or privilege.
"Political correctness" or perceived "over-sensitivity."

This shift serves a clear purpose to dismiss, trivialise, and mock genuine concerns about social justice. By labelling someone or an idea as "woke," the intention is often to shut down dialogue, discredit the person raising the issue, and maintain existing power structures by portraying any challenge to the status quo as absurd or extreme. It's a convenient, imprecise term used to signal disapproval without needing to engage with the actual substance of an argument.

Crucially, while many on the left do not mind being called "woke" and may even embrace the term, this kind belittling and derogatory use is primarily aimed at swaying people in the centre ground. For those who are not deeply immersed in political ideologies, the term is deliberately kept vague and undefined. This ambiguity is essential to its effectiveness as a propaganda tool: it allows for broad application to anything the right wishes to demonise, evokes undefined negative feelings, and fosters an "us vs. them" dynamic that bypasses meaningful debate in favour of emotional reaction. It leverages a desire for "normality" to dismiss perceived radical (and often fair) changes.

It is also interesting to note that while the term "woke" has been so effectively weaponised from the right, the political left does not seem to have coined or widely adopted an equivalent, broadly dismissive, catchy slur for the right.

This often reflects differing strategies: where the right may seek a simple, emotionally charged label to dismiss an opponent, the left often focuses on describing specific policy impacts, systemic issues, or demonstrable behaviours.

Why should I care? What does it mean when people call me "woke"?

When someone attempts to use "woke" as an insult, I interpret it differently. I believe it implies my adherence to principles such as:

Anti-Poverty / Compassion for the Vulnerable

If being "woke" means believing that no one should endure extreme poverty, that we must establish systems to support those in hardship, or that we should strive to reduce wealth disparity, then yes, I am "woke."

I consider it fundamental human decency to desire a fair chance at a decent life for everyone.

Adherence to Facts & Critical Thinking

If "woke" means I tend to trust scientific evidence, verified information, and expert consensus over unsubstantiated conspiracy theories or misinformation, then yes, I am "woke."

I believe a society grounded in facts and critical thinking is inherently healthier and safer for all.

Inclusivity (Race, Gender, Sexuality, Sexism)

If "woke" means I believe that every individual, irrespective of their skin colour, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, merits dignity, respect, and equal opportunities, then I am "woke."

To me, this is not radical; it is simply the hallmark of a just and equitable society. It is about recognising that diversity strengthens us, rather than diminishes us.

Understanding Historical Impact

If "woke" means I acknowledge that past injustices, such as colonialism, slavery, or systemic discrimination, have lasting effects on people and communities today, then yes, I am "woke."

This is not about blaming anyone alive today, but about comprehending the roots of present conditions to build a more equitable future.

Environmental Stewardship

If "woke" means I believe we bear a responsibility to protect our planet for future generations and to address climate change seriously, then yes, I am "woke."

It is simply logical to desire clean air, clean water, and a stable climate for ourselves and those who follow.

Are you willing to embrace woke-ness?

When someone attempts to use "woke" as an insult, I interpret it as an assertion that I care about people, value facts, and desire a fair, sustainable world where everyone can thrive. I find nothing objectionable in that. Indeed, I believe that embracing this level of awareness and being truly "awake" to the challenges and inequalities around us is precisely what our world urgently requires.

This stance is not born of guilt, it stems from empathy and understanding. It is about diligently working to build a more inclusive and respectful environment, not just for myself and my family, but for everyone.

Not Your Usual...

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