Few words have had a transformation as dramatic as "woke." What started as a term deeply rooted in Black activism and social justice has morphed into a polarising buzzword in political and cultural debates. But where did "woke" come from? What did it originally mean, and how did it become a lightning rod for controversy?
To truly understand "woke" and its evolution, we need to explore its historical roots, its journey through activism and pop culture, and why it has become a divisive term in today’s political landscape.
The term "woke" originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has been used for decades as a call for social and political awareness. The earliest recorded use dates back to the 1930s, when Black communities used "stay woke" as a warning to remain alert to racial injustices and systemic oppression.
One of the first notable appearances of "woke" in print came from a 1938 article in The New York Times, in which Harlem-based blues musician Lead Belly used the term in the context of racial injustice, urging Black people to "stay woke" and aware of discrimination.
The phrase gained further prominence during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, when activists used it to emphasise the importance of staying informed about racial discrimination, police brutality, and systemic oppression.
Woke in the 21st Century: From Hashtag to Mainstream
By the early 2010s, "woke" experienced a resurgence, particularly with the rise of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement following the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2012. Activists used the term as a rallying cry for social awareness, urging people to stay informed and challenge systemic injustices.
The hashtag #StayWoke became a digital call to action, appearing in discussions about police brutality, racial profiling, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate activism.
Mainstream media and celebrities also adopted the term, further solidifying its place in pop culture. In 2016, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) referenced it in his song "Redbone," where the phrase "stay woke" served as a warning about deception and hidden dangers.
This period saw "woke" used in its most authentic form—an encouragement to be socially and politically conscious, to challenge injustice, and to advocate for change.
The Backlash: When "Woke" Became a Pejorative
By the late 2010s, "woke" took on a new life as it entered political discourse. Right-wing commentators and conservative media began using it as a dismissive term for progressive politics, arguing that "wokeness" represented an overreach of political correctness.
Critics accused "woke culture" of stifling free speech, promoting cancel culture, and creating unnecessary divisions. In 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis famously declared that his state was where “woke goes to die,” turning the term into a political talking point against diversity and inclusion efforts.
What was once a word symbolising awareness and activism had become a loaded term, weaponised to attack progressive values. Mainstream media outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian published articles debating whether "woke" had lost its original meaning altogether.
There Are We Now? The Current State of "Woke"
Today, the meaning of "woke" depends on who you ask.
For activists and progressives, it remains a call to stay informed about social injustices and work towards equity.
For critics and conservatives, it symbolises performative activism, cancel culture, and excessive political correctness.
For the general public, the term has become confusing—often used sarcastically, misunderstood, or avoided altogether.
In a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 47% of Americans said they viewed the term “woke” positively, while 52% saw it negatively, showing just how divided the conversation has become.
47% of Americans said they viewed the term “woke” positively.
Even within progressive circles, there’s debate about whether “woke” has been overused to the point of losing its impact. Some argue that the focus should be on actions rather than labels—after all, staying "woke" should be about advocating for real change, not just using buzzwords.
52% of Americans said they viewed the term “woke” negatively.
What Can We Learn from This Evolution?
The shifting meaning of "woke" highlights how language is constantly evolving, shaped by history, culture, and politics. But beneath all the debate, the original message remains: awareness matters.
If we take anything from the history of "woke," it's that social consciousness isn’t about a single word—it’s about action. Whether we call it being informed, engaged, or conscious, the real power lies in standing up for justice, holding institutions accountable, and creating a fairer world for all.At SheThrives, we believe in thoughtful discussions that uplift, empower, and educate. Words may change, but the fight for equality, justice, and human rights remains as crucial as ever.
Final Thoughts
The term "woke" has had a long and complicated journey—from a call for awareness in Black activism to a politically charged label in modern discourse. While its meaning has evolved, its core message remains important: stay informed, challenge injustice, and strive for a better world.
At the end of the day, being “woke” isn’t about a label—it’s about living with awareness and integrity. What we do with that awareness is what truly matters.