How “Woke” Was Co-opted: Tracing the Term from Empowerment to Misuse

Language evolves over time, often reflecting broader societal changes. One stark example is the term “woke”, which began as a rallying cry for awareness and activism in Black communities but has since been appropriated and distorted, often by white mainstream culture, into something unrecognizable.

The Roots of “Woke”

The term “woke” originates in Black vernacular, with roots in African American struggles for civil rights and social justice. Its early use can be traced to the 1930s, where it referred to being awake or alert to the realities of systemic racism and inequality. By the 21st century, woke became synonymous with consciousness about issues like police brutality, mass incarceration, and economic disparity—concerns that deeply affect marginalized communities.

Erykah Badu’s 2008 song “Master Teacher” helped popularize the term, with lyrics encouraging listeners to “stay woke.” Over time, this phrase became a call to action, urging vigilance and awareness in the face of injustice. The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement cemented “woke” as a cultural shorthand for recognizing and fighting oppression.

Respect the culture!

The Shift: Co-Option and Misrepresentation

As “woke” gained traction in Black communities, its visibility drew attention from mainstream media and, ultimately, white audiences. What began as an empowering term to mobilize awareness was gradually stripped of its cultural context. Instead of signifying solidarity or allyship, woke was diluted and often reduced to performative gestures or empty virtue signaling.

The media’s co-option played a significant role in this shift. By the mid-2010s, critics and commentators used “woke” disparagingly to mock progressive ideals. What was once a rallying cry against oppression became a punchline for those uncomfortable with addressing systemic inequities. Today, terms like “woke agenda” and “wokeness” are used by political pundits and public figures to dismiss or deride conversations about equity and justice.

Why This Matters

The co-opting of “woke” is emblematic of a broader pattern: the appropriation of Black culture by white mainstream society. From music to fashion to language, Black innovation often gains widespread popularity only to be stripped of its original meaning and commercialized. In the case of “woke”, the appropriation has robbed the term of its potency, turning a tool of empowerment into one of ridicule and mockery.

This misrepresentation also diverts attention from the issues that gave rise to “woke” in the first place. When the term is mocked or used out of context, it undermines the struggles of those working to address systemic racism, inequality, and injustice.

Reclaiming and Respecting the Term

To honor the origins of “woke”, it’s essential to acknowledge its history and use it authentically. That means understanding its roots in Black activism and resisting attempts to weaponize it against those striving for a more equitable society.

While language will always evolve, we have a responsibility to ensure that the voices of the communities who create and sustain cultural movements are not erased. Staying woke isn’t just about being aware—it’s about remaining steadfast in the fight for justice.

Respect the culture!