The Debate Around “woke” Culture: A Progressive Ideology or Another Form of Bigotry?

Abstract

“woke” culture, a term that gained popularity in recent years, refers to a socio-political movement characterized by heightened awareness and activism towards social justice issues. It emerged as a response to systemic inequalities and oppression, aiming to challenge and dismantle existing power structures. “woke” culture encompasses a range of beliefs and practices, often addressing topics such as race, gender, sexuality, and class. It includes intersectionality, cultural appropriation, allyship, and language policing, among other aspects. While some praise “woke” culture for promoting inclusivity and equality, others criticize it for being overly sensitive or stifling free speech. This extended essay seeks to highlight “woke” culture’s multifaceted nature through examining its advantages and disadvantages. It also aims to reveal its impact in addition to the ways in which it is enforced upon society.