Definition of Woke, why the controversy?

So what is the opposite of Woke?
Inconsiderate, intolerant, and offensive?
I think I prefer Woke, all things considered.

Lathyrus3 outrageous, should we also state that up is down and left is right simply to appease pure ignorance? I think not.

Luminance

Rather easy to deal with, if someone says you are "woke" simply reply "thank you" with a smile.

I do!

yougov.co.uk/society/articles/50772-how-do-britons-define-woke-in-their-own-words

23 Oct 2024

The definition is helpful. Sadly it’s used by some to dismiss people who aim to be woke in a cultural or political sense. It’s follow ‘political correct gone mad’ as the way to insult others

Sadly some people draw their definition of woke from the Daily Mail.

Luminance

Lathyrus3 outrageous, should we also state that up is down and left is right simply to appease pure ignorance? I think not.

I don’t really know what you mean.

It’s a language term like “naughty” n the last that has changed its meaning rather rapidly it’s true.

It’s not a truth in itself. It’s a word that was used to refer to one thing that now refers to another.

It might revert. Or a new word might need to put in its place. But it’s used how it’s used. You can’t stop people using it that way by being indignant about it or denying that’s what’s happening.

I am not indignant, I know what the word means and it is a compliment. The reason it is a compliment is that ignorance is often a choice. The ignorant views people who are woke as weak in their tolerance and acceptance. The truth is rather that, it is weakness to be intolerant. It is fear. So they may continue to display their ignorance and I shall rather happily continue to be complimented by the word.

I totally agree with you that intolerance is based in weakness and fear. That the original meaning of “woke” was about awareness and acceptance. We’re not really at cross purposes except perhaps that like “gay” I’ve had to accept that people do (and will continue) to use it to mean something completely different.

So yes keep fighting for it to be returned to its original meaning, but I think it’s a losing battle. Better to seek a new word to express the concept?

JamesandJon33

Probably because in some instances ‘woke’ is taken to extremes .

Exactly this

And yes, words change their meanings sometimes.

I think it's lost it useful meaning. I don't think one word can encompass the variety and breadth of views as regards cultural discussions (or criticism of them).

It has become an insult because some people become patronising “Jesus complex” humourless bores.
It has good origins in the black community in America.

Yes, just what I was going to say. I listened to a podcast a while ago all about the origins of the word in black American communities and its role in the civil rights movement.

How it spread and developed to mean something very different is a bit of an enigma.

I don't think it has much left of its original meaning, as many have said. It can mean anything you really want it to, which means it really doesn't mean very much at all.

Often times I look at people and think to myself that people have died in wars to give you the freedom to express your opinion and that is what you do with it?

‘Woke’ has definitely changed its meaning. It is now an insult and means someone is a judgemental ,unpleasant person who thinks they are right all the time and more ‘ evolved’ than others. A bit like a snob and definitely not something you would want to be called. Maybe different in the UK, though ?

Something resembling the now.
Ironically, the very people who have used it to throw at others have drained it of meaning and rendered it useless as an insult.

Aware, enlightened, inclusive
Or
Just someone who thinks they are aware, enlightened, inclusive.

Luminance

Often times I look at people and think to myself that people have died in wars to give you the freedom to express your opinion and that is what you do with it?

Well said!

But they m

But they may think that of you, that is the point of freedom of expression.

Luminance

Often times I look at people and think to myself that people have died in wars to give you the freedom to express your opinion and that is what you do with it?

I don’t really get what you’re saying.

You seem to be more attached to the word itself than the concept and prepared to sacrifice what it once meant in order to hold onto a label.

For me that’s the kind of inflexible, didactic thinking that “woke” has now come to represent.

NittWitt

^Aware, enlightened, inclusive^
Or
Just someone who thinks they are aware, enlightened, inclusive.

The meaning of Woke has changed, like the word inclusive which is used by certain groups or people so they can exclude anyone who doesn’t agree with them.

Lathyrus3, I am speaking directly, you should try it yourself.

I don’t think I’ve ever been accused of not speaking directly🤣🤣🤣

I thought I was quite clear and direct.