Wake up to Woke

Introduction^[1]

The word “woke” has become a popular yet sometimes confusing term in today’s conversations, but what does it really mean? Is it simply about being politically correct, or is it about something much deeper?

At its core, being woke refers to being aware—being awake to the injustices and inequalities that exist in our world. Whether it’s racism, gender inequality, or environmental issues, being woke means paying attention to these problems, understanding them, and being open to change. For some, it’s about standing up for fairness and justice, while others feel that the term has been taken too far.

The word woke has found its way into everyday conversations, social media posts, and even news headlines. But what does it really mean to be woke? Is it about being politically correct, or does it go deeper than that?

But how much do we really understand about what it means to be woke? In this paper, I’ll explore the true meaning of the term, why it’s important, and why it often stirs up such passionate debates. It’s time to wake up to woke and see how it’s shaping the way we view society. Whilst woke is a word you’ll see cropping up more and more, what does it really mean? In recent years, the word woke” has become a part of everyday language, often popping up in discussions about society, politics, and culture. But despite how frequently it’s used, the meaning of woke can sometimes feel a bit slippery or confusing. To some, it’s a badge of honour, while to others, it’s something to be criticised. Apart from wondering what it means, it’s interesting that people have such different opinions about it.

Origins
By the mid-20^th century^[2] woke had come to mean being “well-informed” or “aware,” particularly in a political or cultural context. The Oxford English Dictionary traces one of the earliest uses of the term to a 1962 article in The New York Times Magazine titled “If You’re Woke You Dig It,” written by African-American novelist William Melvin Kelley. The article discussed how white beatniks were adopting Black slang. By 1971, “woke” had taken on a more political meaning, as shown in Barry Beckham’s play Garvey Lives!, which includes the line: “I been sleeping all my life. And now that Mr Garvey done woke me up, I’m gon’ stay woke. And I’m gon’ help him wake up other black folk” highlighting its growing association with Black political consciousness.

Starting in the 2010s, the term woke evolved into slang for being aware of social inequalities, including issues like racial injustice, sexism, and LGBTQ+ rights. It also became shorthand for certain ideas linked to the American Left, such as identity politics, white privilege, and reparations for slavery in the US, as well as becoming connected to issues beyond race, such as gender and marginalised identities.

The phrase stay woke has roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) from the 1930s, originally referring to being aware of social and political issues affecting Black Americans. It was used in mid-20^th century recordings by musicians like Lead Belly and later by artist Erykah Badu in the 2000s.

The phrase “I can’t breathe” became widely recognised as a rallying cry for social justice and the movement against police brutality, particularly in the US. It originated from the tragic death of Eric Garner in 2014 and was repeated during the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Both men uttered these words while being restrained by police officers, highlighting their inability to breathe. The phrase has since symbolised the broader issues of systemic racism and excessive use of force by law enforcement against Black individuals and has been prominently featured in protests and across various media as part of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

As it spread on platforms like Black Twitter, it was increasingly used by white people to show their support for BLM, though some critics saw this as cultural appropriation. The term became especially popular with millennials and Generation Z, and in 2017, it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

By 2019, woke was being used sarcastically by political conservatives and some centrists as a way to mock leftist and progressive movements. Terms like “woke-washing” and “woke capitalism” also emerged, criticising companies that claim to support social justice only for profit, a practice sometimes called “performative activism.”

The Original Meaning of Woke
As mentioned above, the term woke originally came from African American communities in the US. In this context, it meant being awake to injustices—especially around race. It was used to describe someone who had become aware of problems in society that were often ignored or overlooked.

Think of it like this: if you’re asleep, you might miss what’s happening around you. But when you wake up, you can see clearly. “Woke” is about waking up to things that are wrong in the world—things like racism, inequality, or people being treated unfairly.

Example:

Imagine that in a school, some children are treated differently just because of their skin colour. If you notice that and think it’s wrong, you’re becoming woke to racial injustice.

How Woke is Used Today
Over time, the word woke has evolved and broadened to include many different types of social awareness. It’s no longer just about race; it now covers a range of social issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental activism, and more.

Being woke today generally means being conscious of unfairness and wanting to do something about it. People who are described as woke are often those who care about social justice, human rights, and making sure that everyone is treated fairly.

Example:

Suppose a company introduces policies to ensure that women and men are paid equally for the same work. Someone might call that company “woke” because they are addressing gender inequality.

Global Perspectives on Wokeness: The UK and Europe
While wokeness originated in the United States, the term has evolved and gained traction globally, with unique interpretations emerging in countries like the UK and across Europe. In Britain, discussions around wokeness often intersect with issues of colonial history, class, and racial inequality. The Black Lives Matter movement, which initially took off in the US, spurred a parallel reckoning in the UK, prompting deeper reflection on Britain’s colonial past and its ongoing impact on society. Statues of controversial historical figures, such as the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol^[3], became flashpoints for debates around wokeness, heritage, and how history should be remembered.

In the UK, the term woke is often invoked in discussions about race relations and the legacy of empire. Many advocate for the decolonisation of education, seeking to include the perspectives of those historically marginalised by British imperialism. This movement has faced pushback, with critics arguing that revisiting colonial history through a woke lens unfairly imposes contemporary values on the past.

Meanwhile, in continental Europe, the rise of woke culture is more connected to issues of immigration, secularism, and national identity. In France, for instance, the term is often entangled with debates about laïcité (the French principle of secularism), particularly around the rights of Muslim communities. French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised what he describes as woke culture coming from the US, saying it undermines French values and fosters division rather than unity. In other European nations, wokeness is sometimes viewed through the lens of populism, as right-wing movements push back against progressive policies regarding immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice.

These global examples demonstrate how wokeness transcends borders, taking on different shapes depending on each country’s unique cultural and historical context. Whether addressing the UK’s colonial legacy or Europe’s struggles with integration and national identity, wokeness is increasingly becoming a worldwide lens through which social issues are examined and debated.

How Many People in Britain Actually Understand the Term Woke?^[4]YouGov says that, like many buzzwords in political discussions, the majority of Britons (59%) are unfamiliar with the meaning of woke, with nearly half of that group (30%) having never even heard the term:

41% of Britons say they’ve heard the term and believe they understand its meaning.
Among those who claim to know what woke means, only 29% identify as woke, while more than half (56%) do not.
One in four (26%) see being woke as a positive thing, while just over a third (37%) view it negatively. Another third (33%) believe wokeness is neither good nor bad.

The Positive Side of Being Woke
For many people, being woke is seen as a good thing. It’s about paying attention to the world around you and noticing when something isn’t right. Being woke means you care about equality, justice, and making the world a better place for everyone.

Here are some examples of where being woke might be seen as positive:

Fair Representation in Media: Films, TV shows, and books that feature characters of different races, genders, or sexualities help make sure that everyone can see themselves represented.
Caring for the Environment: Being woke might also mean supporting actions to tackle climate change or reduce pollution – because you care about the planet and future generations.
Supporting Equal Rights: If someone speaks up for the rights of marginalised groups—whether that’s women, LGBTQ+ people, or those with disabilities—that’s often seen as being woke.

The Negative Side of Being Woke
Despite its positive origins, woke has also become a term that some people use negatively. Critics of woke culture often feel that it has gone too far or that it focuses on being politically correct rather than solving real problems. To them, being “too woke” means getting caught up in small, sometimes trivial, issues and ignoring the bigger picture.

Here’s an example:

Criticism of Woke Films: Let’s say a film tries very hard to include diverse characters but doesn’t focus much on the story or acting. Some people might say that the film is “too woke” because they feel it’s more concerned with ticking boxes for diversity than actually making a good movie.

Critics sometimes argue that focusing too much on being woke can lead to over-sensitivity or a lack of open discussion. They might say that some people take offence too easily or that efforts to make everything fair can sometimes go too far, even into areas where change isn’t really needed.

Cancel Culture

One of the most frequent criticisms of “wokeness” today is its association with cancel culture—the phenomenon where individuals or public figures face social or professional ostracism for expressing opinions deemed offensive or unacceptable by certain groups. Critics argue that this stifles free speech and open dialogue. They claim that in some instances, the demand for ideological purity leads to a zero-tolerance approach, where even minor infractions or differing viewpoints result in disproportionate backlash.

For example, public figures have lost jobs, been de-platformed, or faced intense online harassment due to comments made years earlier or statements taken out of context. The debate here hinges on whether this level of accountability is justified or if it has gone too far, creating a climate of fear where people feel they must censor themselves.

Freedom of Expression
This leads to a broader critique of freedom of expression. Opponents of cancel culture argue that a robust society depends on the ability to engage with challenging or even uncomfortable ideas. When wokeness is perceived as suppressing dissent in the name of political correctness, some feel that it threatens the very foundations of democratic discourse.

On the other hand, defenders of woke culture argue that what critics call cancel culture is actually something else: accountability—particularly for those in power who have historically faced little consequence for perpetuating harmful ideas or behaviours. For them, silencing dangerous or discriminatory views is a necessary step toward social progress and equity.

The balance between these perspectives is delicate, but it remains a central issue in contemporary debates around wokeness. Critics claim that the pursuit of justice through wokeness has, in some cases, become authoritarian, while advocates insist that true equality cannot be achieved without challenging deeply entrenched power structures, even if that means restricting certain types of speech.

A Balanced Perspective: What Does It All Mean?
In the simplest terms:

Woke (positive): Being aware of unfairness and injustices in the world and wanting to make things better.
Woke (negative): Some people use it to criticise what they see as an over-focus on being politically correct or pushing for change, even in small or unnecessary areas.

The word woke can have very different meanings depending on who is using it and what they’re talking about. For some, it’s a way of describing someone who is socially conscious and cares about important issues. For others, it has become a label for being overly cautious or for forcing political correctness into every situation.

Everyday Examples of Woke Culture
To help understand how the term is used in everyday life, let’s look at some simple, everyday examples:

In Schools: Imagine your school introduces a rule that ensures boys and girls get equal chances to participate in all activities, from sports to drama. Some might say the school is being woke because it’s making sure there’s equality.
In Businesses: If a company pays all its employees fairly, regardless of their gender or background, people might say it’s a woke company for focusing on fairness.
In Entertainment: If a popular TV show adds characters from a range of backgrounds to make it more inclusive, some viewers will appreciate the woke approach, while others might criticise it if they feel it was done just for appearances.

Is Being Woke a Good or Bad Thing?
Like many things in life, it depends on your perspective. For many, being woke is about being compassionate, caring, and committed to fairness. It’s about trying to make the world better for everyone, not just a few people.

However, it’s important to recognise that not everyone agrees on what needs to change or how quickly those changes should happen. This is why woke has become such a debated term—because it touches on deep issues about fairness, equality, and how we live together in society.

Woke Explained in Simple Terms

Being “woke” means noticing when something isn’t fair and caring enough to try to make it better. It’s like paying attention to how people are treated and wanting to make sure everyone is treated kindly and equally, no matter who they are.

For example, let’s say you’re at school, and one of your classmates is being left out of a game because they look different or speak another language. If you notice that this isn’t fair and you invite them to join in, you’re being woke because you’re making sure they feel included and happy, just like everyone else.

Here’s another example: Imagine that a boy in your class is told he can’t wear pink because some people think pink is only for girls. But you know that colours are for everyone, and you speak up and say, “Anyone can wear any colour they like!” That’s being woke, too! You’re helping others understand that everyone should be free to enjoy the things they love, no matter if they’re a boy or a girl.

It’s like waking up and seeing things that aren’t fair or kind that maybe you didn’t notice before—and wanting to do something to help make them right. Being woke is about making sure everyone gets a fair chance to be happy, included, and treated kindly, no matter what they look like or where they come from.

Final Thoughts
The term woke has changed a lot since it first appeared, and it will likely keep evolving. Whether you see being woke as a positive or think it’s gone too far, the word is clearly here to stay. At its core, being woke is about being awake to what’s happening in the world and wanting to make it fairer for everyone.

Whether you embrace the term or feel cautious about it, the most important thing is to keep asking questions, staying open-minded, and thinking about how we can all help make society more equal, just, and kind. Being woke doesn’t mean you have all the answers, but it does mean you’re paying attention and open to learning from others. Whether you view it as a badge of awareness or a term that’s been overused, wokeness reminds us that a more just and equal society begins with understanding and a willingness to grow.

Wokeness as a Journey
As wokeness continues to evolve, it’s worth considering how we can contribute to a more thoughtful and inclusive society. Staying curious, open-minded, and willing to learn from others’ experiences may be one way forward. Ultimately, wokeness is not about having all the answers but about engaging with the important questions shaping our world.

You might ask yourself: What can I do with this awareness? Could this understanding shape how I engage in conversations, how I approach my community, or how I respond to the injustices I witness around me? While wokeness doesn’t offer a clear-cut solution, it provides a lens to understand better the challenges we face.

In this sense, wokeness is not a destination but an ongoing journey—one that prompts us to question, reflect, and act with intention. Whether this journey feels empowering or challenging, it calls for continuous thought, conversation, and growth. The key is to remain engaged—open to new perspectives, willing to learn, and conscious of the broader impact of our beliefs and actions.

Articles Etc.

Further Reading
The following books cover a wide range of topics related to social justice, awareness, and activism and can help readers explore what it means to be “woke” from different perspectives. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, historical context, or personal stories, this list should offer a well-rounded starting point.

While many of the books focus on American experiences of race, inequality, and social justice, the concept of being woke is very much relevant to Britain as well. The UK has its own deep-rooted issues related to class, race, gender, and colonialism, which various British writers and activists have explored. To give a balanced view, the list of books includes those that focus on social justice, awareness, and inequality in a British context.

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, published by Beacon Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Indigenous-Peoples-History-ReVisioning-American/dp/0807057835/ This book tells the history of the United States from the perspective of Native Americans, offering a powerful counter-narrative to traditional American history.
Another Day in the Death of America, by Gary Younge, published by Guardian Faber Publishing, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Death-America-Gary-Younge/dp/1783351020/ Although this book is about gun violence in the United States, Younge, a British journalist, uses this as a lens to examine how race and inequality intersect. His work is informed by both his American and British experiences.
Bad Feminist, by Roxane Gay, published by Corsair, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Feminist-Roxane-Gay/dp/1472119738/ A collection of essays exploring feminism, race, body image, and pop culture, Gay’s work examines the complexities of being “woke” and the tensions between personal identity and broader social movements.
Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, published by Text Publishing Company, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Between-World-Me-Ta-Nehisi-Coates/dp/1925240703/ Written as a letter to his teenage son, Coates reflects on what it means to grow up Black in America, offering profound insights into racism, identity, and the struggle for justice.
Black and British: A Forgotten History, by David Olusoga, published by Picador, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-British-Forgotten-David-Olusoga/dp/1529065607/ This comprehensive history sheds light on the presence and contributions of Black people in Britain, dating back centuries. Olusoga also highlights how Britain’s involvement in the slave trade and colonialism has shaped modern social dynamics.
Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, by Afua Hirsch, published by Vintage, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brit-ish-Race-Identity-Belonging/dp/1784705039/ Hirsch examines what it means to be both British and Black, exploring her journey alongside the broader societal tensions in Britain regarding race and identity.
Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class, by Owen Jones, published by Verso, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chavs-Demonization-Working-Owen-Jones/dp/1839760923/ In this book, Jones explores how British society often demonises and stereotypes the working class, leading to greater social division and inequality. He calls for a reassessment of how we view class and economic fairness in the UK.
Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature, by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, published by James Currey, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decolonising-Mind-Politics-Literature-Paperback/dp/0852555016/ This book argues that language is a key part of colonial oppression and calls for a return to indigenous languages and cultural traditions as a form of resistance.
Feminism is for Everybody, by Bell Hooks, published by Pluto Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/FEMINISM-EVERYBODY-Passionate-bell-hooks/dp/0745317332. A concise and accessible introduction to feminist thought, this book explores how gender, race, and class intersect, and it promotes the idea of feminism as a movement for social justice that benefits everyone.
Feminism, Interrupted: Disrupting Power, by Lola Olufemi, published by Pluto Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Feminism-Interrupted-Disrupting-Power-Outspoken/dp/0745340067/ Olufemi provides a sharp critique of mainstream feminism, arguing that it often overlooks the struggles of marginalised groups in Britain. She calls for a more inclusive, intersectional feminist movement that truly addresses issues of race, class, and gender.
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot, by Mikki Kendall, published by Bloomsbury Publishing, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hood-Feminism-Notes-Feminists-Forgot/dp/152662270X/ Kendall critiques mainstream feminism for overlooking issues that affect women of colour, low-income women, and others on the margins, calling for a more inclusive feminist movement.
How to Be a Liberal, by Ian Dunt, published by Canbery Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Liberal-Freedom-Survival/dp/1912454459/ Dunt’s book explores the history and philosophy of liberalism, with a focus on how it’s been shaped by and continues to influence British society. He discusses freedom, equality, and how modern politics are grappling with issues of identity and fairness.
How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi, published by Vintage, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Antiracist-Ibram-Kendi/dp/152911182X/ Kendi’s book encourages readers to move beyond not being racist to actively being antiracist, promoting a deeper understanding of how to challenge racial inequalities in all aspects of life.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou, published by Virago, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caged-Sings-Virago-Modern-Classics/dp/086068511X/ A memoir of Angelou’s early life, it touches on themes of racism, identity, and resilience, offering a personal reflection on the experiences of growing up Black in America.
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez, published by Vintage, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invisible-Women-Exposing-World-Designed/dp/1784706280/ This book shows how the world is often designed with men in mind, leading to systemic disadvantages for women, and calls for change through better data and awareness.
Living While Black: The Essential Guide to Overcoming Racial Trauma, by Guilaine Kinouani, published by Ebury Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-While-Black-Essential-Overcoming/dp/1529109434/ Kinouani, a British psychologist, explores how structural racism affects Black people in the UK and provides guidance on overcoming racial trauma. It’s a practical guide to dealing with the mental health challenges caused by racism.
Me and White Supremacy, by Layla Saad, published by Quercus, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Me-White-Supremacy-Recognise-Privilege/dp/1529405114/ This book guides readers through understanding their privilege and complicity in racism. It includes journaling prompts and reflections to help readers become more socially conscious and actively anti-racist.
Men Explain Things to Me, by Rebecca Solnit, published by Granta Books, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Men-Explain-Things-Me-Essays/dp/1803510072/ A collection of essays that looks at the way women are often dismissed or undermined in conversations, helping to popularise the term “mansplaining.”
Mother Country: Real Stories of the Windrush Children, by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, published by Headline, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mother-Country-Stories-Windrush-Children/dp/1472261917/ This collection of essays recounts the experiences of the Windrush generation and their descendants in Britain, offering insight into the history of immigration and the challenges faced by Black Britons in a post-Windrush society.
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, by Akala, published by Two Roads, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natives-Class-Empire-Sunday-Bestseller/dp/1473661234/ In this memoir and social commentary, Akala offers a nuanced exploration of race, class, and the lingering effects of Britain’s colonial past, making it a significant contribution to discussions about social justice.
Privilege, Power, and Difference, by Allan G. Johnson, published by McGraw Hill, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Privilege-Power-Difference-Allan-Johnson/dp/0073404225 A guide to understanding privilege and power, this book explores how systems of inequality operate and how individuals can recognise their role in maintaining or challenging these systems.
Queer Intentions: A (Personal) Journey Through LGBTQ+ Culture, by Amelia Abraham, published by Picador, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Queer-Intentions-Personal-Journey-Through/dp/1509866175/ This book is a journey through the modern LGBTQ+ experience, touching on queer identity, politics, and rights in Britain. Abraham explores how the community has changed and the challenges it continues to face.
Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America, by Melissa V. Harris-Perry, published by Yale University Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sister-Citizen-Shame-Stereotypes-America/dp/0300188188/ This book explores how stereotypes of Black women shape their political and social lives, offering a deep look at the psychological impact of racism and sexism.
Sister Outsider, by Audre Lorde, published by Penguin Classics, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sister-Outsider-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0241410509/ A collection of essays and speeches by poet and activist Audre Lorde, addressing issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia. It’s a foundational text for understanding intersectionality and the interconnectedness of social injustices.
Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible, by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené, published by Fourth Estate, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Slay-Your-Lane-Black-Bible/dp/0008235627 This book celebrates the experiences and successes of Black British women, offering practical advice on navigating careers, relationships, and self-identity in a society that often marginalises them.
So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo, published by Seal Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1541647432/ This book is a practical guide to understanding race in modern society. It offers accessible advice on how to engage in productive conversations about race, privilege, and systemic racism.
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, by Ibram X. Kendi, published by Bodley Head, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stamped-Beginning-Definitive-History-America/dp/1847924956/ A comprehensive history of racist ideas in the United States, tracing the origins and evolution of racism and how it has been used to justify inequality.
The Colour of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, by Richard Rothstein, published by Liveright, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Color-Law-Forgotten-Government-Segregated/dp/1631494538/ A deep dive into how government policies created and maintained racial segregation in housing, this book explains how systemic racism continues to shape society and is a must-read for understanding modern inequality.
The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It, by Owen Jones, published by Penguin, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Establishment-how-they-get-away/dp/0141974990/ Jones critiques the powerful elite in Britain, arguing that the establishment has created a system that protects itself while ignoring or marginalising the working class. It’s a deep dive into how power and privilege operate in modern Britain.
The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin, published by Penguin Classics, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Next-Time-Dungeon-Classics/dp/0140182756/ A seminal work on race relations in America, Baldwin’s book examines the complexities of racial identity, injustice, and the ongoing struggle for equality in a personal, lyrical style.
The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race, edited by Jesmyn Ward, published by Bloomsbury Publishing, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-This-Time-Generation-Speaks/dp/1408892588/ A collection of essays by contemporary writers reflecting on race in America today, offering new perspectives on historical and present-day struggles for justice.
The Good Immigrant, edited by Nikesh Shukla, published by Unbound, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Immigrant-Nikesh-Shukla/dp/1783523956/ This is a collection of essays by 21 British authors of colour, discussing their experiences of race, immigration, and identity in modern Britain. It offers personal stories that capture the challenges of being marginalised in a post-Brexit UK.
The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir, published by Vintage Classics, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Vintage-Feminism-Short-Editions/dp/1784870382/ A classic work of feminist philosophy that explores the oppression of women throughout history and the social constructs that contribute to gender inequality.
The Souls of Black Folk, by W.E.B. Du Bois, published by Dover Publications Inc., available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Souls-Black-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486280411/ A foundational text in African American literature, Du Bois explores the challenges faced by Black Americans at the turn of the 20^th century, particularly the concept of “double consciousness.”
The Unfinished Revolution: Voices from the Global Fight for Women’s Rights, by Minky Worden, published by Policy Press, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/unfinished-revolution-Minky-Worden/dp/1447307364/ This book covers women’s rights globally and includes contributions from British activists and gives insight into the challenges facing women in the UK. It touches on gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women.
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson, published by Penguin, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warmth-Other-Suns-Americas-Migration/dp/0141995157/ An exploration of the mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centres in the North, highlighting the economic, social, and racial challenges they faced.
The Wretched of the Earth, by Frantz Fanon, published by Penguin Classics, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wretched-Earth-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141186542 A classic text on the psychology of colonisation and the social justice movements that aim to dismantle it. Fanon’s work examines how colonialism shapes identities and oppresses communities.
They Can’t Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America’s Racial Justice Movement, by Wesley Lowery, published by Little, Brown & Company, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/They-Cant-Kill-Us-All/dp/0316312495/ A journalist’s first-hand account of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America, especially after police killings in cities like Ferguson.
This Is Why I Resist: Don’t Define My Black Identity, by Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, published by Headline, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Why-Resist-Define-Identity/dp/1472280806/ This book addresses the ongoing struggle for racial equality in Britain, particularly in light of the Black Lives Matter movement. Dr Mos-Shogbamimu discusses the importance of confronting systemic racism and how Black Britons are fighting for their rights.
We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, published by Fourth Estate, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/SHOULD-ALL-FEMINISTS-TPB-Chimamanda/dp/0008115273/ Adapted from her popular TED talk, this book is a brief but powerful argument for why feminism should be a universal concern, offering personal insights into gender and equality.
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, by Robin DiAngelo, published by Penguin, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism/dp/0141990562/ This book discusses why many white people struggle with conversations about race and offers insight into how defensiveness around these issues can hinder progress toward equality.
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, by Reni Eddo-Lodge, published by Bloomsbury Publishing, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Longer-Talking-White-People-About/dp/1408870584/ This book explores the history of racism in Britain and the often-ignored stories of Black British people. Eddo-Lodge also discusses how class, race and gender intersect in modern Britain, making it a key text for understanding “woke” in the UK.
Women, Race & Class, by Angela Y. Davis, published by Penguin Classics, available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Women-Class-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0241408407/ Davis looks at the intersection of race, gender, and class in America, exploring how the women’s rights movement and civil rights movement have sometimes conflicted but are ultimately connected.

CAUTION: This paper is compiled from the sources stated but has not been externally reviewed. Parts of this paper include information provided via artificial intelligence which, although checked by the author, is not always accurate or reliable. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials covered in this paper for any particular purpose. Such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this paper meet your specific requirements and you should neither take action nor exercise inaction without taking appropriate professional advice. The hyperlinks were current at the date of publication.

End Notes and Explanations

Source: Compiled from my research using information available at the sources stated throughout the text, together with information provided by machine-generated artificial intelligence at: bing.com [chat] and https://chat.openai.com. Text used includes that on Wikipedia websites is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0; additional terms may apply. By using those websites, I have agreed to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organisation. ↑
The Independent reported on 22^nd January 2021 that ‘Woke’ began appearing in the 1940s and was first used by African Americans to “literally mean becoming woken up or sensitised to issues of justice”,quoting linguist and lexicographer Tony Thorne. Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/woke-meaning-word-history-b1790787.html ↑
Edward Colston was a 17^th century English merchant, philanthropist, and a prominent member of the Royal African Company, which was heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade. He is a controversial figure, particularly in the UK, due to his role in the enslavement of Africans and the profits he made from the trade. The Royal African Company held a monopoly on British trade in enslaved people. Between 1672 and 1689, the company is estimated to have transported around 84,000 Africans to the Americas, with about 19,000 dying during the journey. Colston used his wealth, largely gained from the slave trade, to fund charitable works, particularly in the city of Bristol. He supported schools, alms houses, and churches, leading many institutions and places in Bristol to bear his name for centuries. For many years, Colston was celebrated in Bristol for his philanthropy. However, as awareness of his role in the slave trade grew, his legacy became increasingly controversial. In 2020, during the global protests following the killing of George Floyd, a statue of Colston in Bristol was toppled by protesters, dragged through the streets, and thrown into the harbour. The event sparked a wider debate in the UK about how to deal with monuments to historical figures linked to slavery and colonialism. ↑
Source: https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/35904-what-does-woke-mean-britons ↑

The Martin Pollins Blog

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Wake up to Woke

Share this:

Like this:

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Discover more from The Martin Pollins Blog