How "Woke-ism" Has Become a Symbol of Modern Culture War

In modern culture, the term “woke” is well-known, but not necessarily for the best reasons, which they once may have been. The term is now categorised as a “symbol of modern culture war” due to its current ability to become divisive and toxic.

The term “woke” originates from the American term “awake” which first emerged in the 1940’s. The term “awake” was used to describe someone who is well-informed on the issues of social injustice, which at this time was largely used surrounding the factor of race.?

Those who were “awake” were accepting, welcoming, and willing to help others learn.

However, as the years have gone by, the term “awake” became “woke” and divided people by setting the standard that if you were not labelled “woke”, you were deluded and out of date.

Therefore, those who were not labelled as “woke”, became defensive and further created a modern culture war.

??Before we get into it...

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Woke-ism can also be blamed for the origin of the well-known, cancel culture.

Cancel culture is a toxic theme within contemporary society, especially brought to life with the progression of social media.

It is defined as ‘the phenomenon of promoting the “cancelling” of people, brands and even shows and movies due to what some consider to be offensive or problematic remarks or ideologies’ (Kato, 2021: New York Post)

Celebrities are largely subjected to cancel culture, for example, Jodie Comer who was allegedly cancelled due to a rumour of having a conservative boyfriend.

So many who claim to be “woke” are quick to judge and can implement this “cancel culture” which ultimately can harm or even destroy a person’s entire reputation, personal life, and career.?

Cancel culture is especially common due to the fact that we live in a society where everything changes so quickly, one day a word is fine to use, the next you could be cancelled for saying it, or there is a new identity that those who cannot relate to have to learn about.

This means that it is so difficult to keep up with the changes and one mistake could lead to being cancelled.

By implementing cancel culture upon a person does more harm than good. It initiates this idea that the person or brand who has possibly been offensive cannot even have the chance to learn from their mistakes.

It basically says, “you’re ruined, you have no chance to come back from this”, when in fact, woke-ism originally was a welcoming community that allowed others to learn.

Somewhere along the way, things have taken a huge, damaging turn.?

??An example that can also be perceived in the workplace:

For many years, trans people and trans-allies have fought for easier access to legally change gender and be able to access spaces that fit with their new identity, which rightfully so, they deserve their voice to be heard.

However, this has raised concerns for many women across the globe who feel that their safe spaces may be threatened in the process.

For example, many workplaces are introducing gender-neutral toilets which although benefit those who are transgender or identify with no gender, it does raise the concern for women who have fought for their safe spaces for decades.?

??What about me?!

Woke-ism, therefore, creates this “whatabout-ery” concept in which people feel alienated and marginalised in the process of making beneficial changes for one community that harms another.

This, therefore, becomes “Selective woke-ism”, in which those who claim to be “woke” champion certain groups while damaging another group.

??So, what are the impacts of woke-ism and being “too woke”?

?? In many cases, woke-ism shuts down the opportunity for those considered “not woke” or “not woke enough” to learn from past mistakes or new ideas, they often face cancel culture and are be-littled

?? It prevents free speech as those who may have differed opinions no longer feel like they can safely share them due to fear of being “cancelled”

?? Woke-ism often reverses the ultimate goals to become inclusive by, in fact, reducing inclusivity

?? It creates a divide in which those who are “woke” believe they are superior, which ultimately creates a hierarchy that becomes harmful

?? Those who are not in the “woke club” or those who are not benefitted by what “woke” people are fighting for feel undervalued, unheard, and excluded.

?? Those who, therefore, feel undervalued, unheard, and excluded do not work to the best of their ability as their mental health is impacted which, in turn, impacts performance at work.

?? This then impacts the financial factors in an organisation

?? Those who are “woke” but are considered “moderately woke”, meaning they are woke but choose not to openly create discussions and do not include themselves in divisions, therefore are often labelled as out-of-date and receive backlash, which creates an even bigger divide and impacts their wellbeing.

?? This also means that the loudest woke subgroups are the only ones who remain heard.

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