Understanding Wokeness and Wokism: A Critical Analysis

The term 'wokeness' has gained significant traction in recent years, largely due to its evolving definition and the associated controversies. Originally, wokeness was a positive concept, denoting an awareness of social injustice and a commitment to fighting against it. However, the term has now taken on a negative connotation, leading to widespread confusion and criticism.

The Evolution of Wokeness

Wokeness, as it was originally conceived, referred to individuals or movements that actively denounce and fight against social injustices. This includes figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and 19th-century writers such as Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo, who fought for the rights and dignity of oppressed or discriminated groups in society.

However, the term has been coopted and misused, leading to a distorted understanding of its true meaning. Today, many people view wokeness as an overzealous and sometimes irrational response to social issues, characterized by a willingness to ignore or excuse reprehensible actions based on the demographic of the perpetrator.

The Negative Connotation of Wokeness

Detractors argue that wokeness is now synonymous with a form of reverse discrimination, where traditional oppressors are unfairly punished while those perceived as the oppressed are exonerated. This leads to a host of problematic behaviors and cultural impacts.

Woke individuals may:

Ignore, forgive, or even encourage reprehensible actions as long as they come from marginalized groups.

Show a virulent hostility towards groups that are seen as the traditional oppressors, such as straight white men.

Overeagerly fight against perceived discrimination and bigotry, leading to an exaggeration of these behaviors and even the creation of imaginary instances to rally against.

The Impact on Everyday Life and Culture

These tendencies have a profound impact on daily life and cultural expressions, particularly in works of fiction. Consider the case of Supergirl, a TV series that is often criticized for its extreme push towards wokeness. Supergirl portrays the titular character as physically and morally superior to Superman, often portraying attacks on men as empowering.

In a different context, the remake of Snow White starring Rachel Zegler has come under fire for its treatment of the original story. This remake, which includes an African American lead despite the original not featuring any, has received criticism for its lack of appreciation for the original work, highlighting the broader issue of cultural appropriation in the name of inclusivity.

Are Wokeness and Wokism a Construct?

While some argue that wokeness and wokism are constructs created by bigots to discredit those who advocate for social justice, there is still a kernel of truth in this perspective. The term has been appropriated by some to criticize and undermine the legitimacy of social justice efforts. However, completely dismissing the concept risks ignoring the genuine efforts and struggles of marginalized groups.

It is indeed possible for individuals to become so absorbed by their ideologies that they develop extreme and prejudiced views, or to be panderers who use social justice rhetoric to gain favor. Denying these realities is a dangerous oversimplification, akin to dismissing the existence of social injustice or marginalization altogether.

As with any movement or ideology, wokeness can be misused or abused, leading to its current negative connotation. It is crucial to acknowledge both the positive intentions behind the concept and the potential for abuse, striving to distinguish between legitimate social justice efforts and hegemonic attempts to control discourse.