The term “woke” has become increasingly prevalent in public discourse, yet its definition remains fluid and often contested. Depending on who you ask, “woke” can signify vastly different things. In recent times, particularly within conservative circles, it’s frequently employed as a broad and often negative descriptor for progressive values. However, this contemporary usage starkly contrasts with the term’s historical roots within the Black American community, where it emerged as a call to social and racial awareness.
The Original Meaning of “Woke”: Rooted in Black Activism
Within the Black community, to be “woke” carries a distinctly political connotation. It signifies being informed, educated, and acutely conscious of social injustice and racial inequality, as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This understanding of “woke” is deeply embedded in the history of the 20th century and the fight for civil rights.
One of the earliest documented uses of the term can be traced back to a 1930s recording of the protest song “Scottsboro Boys” by Lead Belly. Preserved by Smithsonian Folkways, the non-profit record label of the National Museum, this song served as a powerful message. The “Scottsboro Boys” were nine Black teenagers unjustly accused of rape in 1931 in Alabama, a case that became a symbol of racial injustice and lasted for decades, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In Lead Belly’s song, the phrase “stay woke” was a direct appeal to Black Americans to remain vigilant and aware of the ever-present threat of racist violence, especially in the Jim Crow South.
Activist Maurice Mitchell speaking at a demonstration in Washington, D.C., advocating for climate change action, healthcare, jobs, and social justice.
The term experienced a resurgence in popularity in its contemporary sense with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2014, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The protests in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked by the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, brought the systemic social injustices and police brutality faced by the Black community into sharp focus on a national scale. The deaths of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and others in similar police encounters further solidified the term’s significance and its widespread adoption in protest and activist circles, as noted in research from Ohio State University on the rhetoric of the Black Lives Matter movement. “Woke” became a rallying cry, urging people to awaken to the realities of racial inequality and systemic oppression.
“Woke” Enters the Political Arena: Co-option by Conservatives
In recent years, particularly following the midterm elections, the term “woke” has undergone a significant transformation in its usage. Some Republicans have co-opted “woke,” employing it as a pejorative term to denigrate identity-based social justice issues championed by Democrats and progressives, according to representatives from the Democratic Governors Association and Working Families Party. This shift marks a departure from the term’s original meaning and intent.
Prominent Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy, author of “Woke Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam,” have readily adopted and popularized this negative framing of “woke.”
The DeSantis administration’s definition of “woke” exemplifies this shift. According to DeSantis’ general counsel, as reported by The Washington Post, “woke” is defined as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.” This definition, while seemingly neutral, is often used in a context that implies these beliefs and efforts to address injustice are somehow detrimental or extreme.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivering a victory speech after winning the election against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist.
DeSantis himself declared in his 2022 election night victory speech, “We reject woke ideology. We will never ever surrender to the woke agenda. People have come here because of our policies,” underscoring the term’s use as a political weapon against perceived progressive agendas.
The Impact of “Anti-Woke” Policies
This political backlash against “woke”-ness has translated into tangible policy changes, particularly in states like Florida. Efforts to combat “woke” ideology have led to restrictions on race-related content in education. Examples include the rejection of an AP African American history course in Florida high schools and pledges from college presidents to oppose “woke” ideologies like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and critical race theory, embracing instead “academic freedom”—often interpreted as freedom from discussions of systemic injustice.
DeSantis’ policies, such as the Parental Rights in Education Law and the “Stop WOKE” Act, directly restrict classroom discussions on topics of race, oppression, gender, and sex. Furthermore, his administration has banned the allocation of funds for DEI programs on public college campuses.
This trend is not isolated to Florida. Across the United States, numerous conservative-led legislative initiatives have emerged, aimed at restricting programs, courses, and training sessions that address race, diversity, and equity. These efforts reflect a broader pushback against what is perceived as “woke” ideology in various sectors of society.
“Woke” as a “Dog Whistle” and Culture War Term
Critics argue that this conservative deployment of “woke” effectively casts being informed about social injustice in a negative light. Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party and Social Movement Strategist with Movement 4 Black Lives, describes the use of “woke” in this context as a racial “dog whistle.” He argues that because the term is associated with Black people and Black activism, it has become a convenient tool for those seeking to mobilize “white grievance politics” to win elections without resorting to explicitly racist language.
David Turner, communications director of the Democratic Governors Association, suggests that Republicans’ appropriation of “woke” can backfire, making them appear as “bullies.” He contends that the intense focus on “niche cultural war issues,” including the anti-“woke” crusade, risks alienating average voters who may not share these priorities.
As the term “woke” continues to be debated and politicized, understanding its complex evolution—from its origins in Black activism to its contemporary use in the culture wars—is crucial for navigating the ongoing discussions about social justice, equality, and identity in America.
