“Woke”

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Q6 – Is there a problem with being “Woke”?

To begin with a definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary …

• Woke is an adjective meaning to be aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts & issues (especially issues of racial & social justice)
• Woke is also a slang term referring to being “awake” to these social issues — rather than being “asleep” or “blind” to these issues
• Woke is often used to suggest someone’s expressed beliefs about such matters are not backed with genuine concern or action

•  Woke can also be used in a disapproving way… to identify someone who is politically left (as in matters of racial & social justice) especially in a way that is considered unreasonable or extreme

In summary, “woke” is a blanket term originally adopted by the political Left to cover any or all of the causes that they promote including:

• Social justice (Marxism, Anti-capitalism, Free “Everything” eg Housing, College, Health Care, Guaranteed income, Tax the wealthy)
• Racial justice (Black Lives Matter)
• Anarchy (Antifa)
• Women’s rights (Unrestricted Abortion on demand)
• Gay Rights, Trans Rights
• Criminal reform (no bail, reduced or no jail, eliminate drug laws, no death penalty)
• Open boarders (quick path to citizenship)
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) – Note: the “Left” definition of these terms is different than the traditional dictionary definition
• Big government (Limiting individual rights, Not free speech, Enforced use of gender pronouns, Gun control)
• Intersectionality (ie  Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression & we must consider (& compensate for) everything & anything that can marginalize people – gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability … towards a goal of all being equal.  (See the “Intersectionality wheels” below)

What are some problems with “Woke” thinking & actions?

1. Restriction of free speech:  The promotion of certain “woke” ideas, such as political correctness, can restrict free speech & limit the ability of individuals to express their opinions & ideas.
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2. Over-sensitivity:  The focus on microaggressions and perceived slights in “woke” culture can be excessive and lead to an over-sensitivity to perceived offense, which can stifle productive discourse & critical thinking.
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3. Threat to individual liberty:  The emphasis on collective responsibility & the push to regulate speech & behavior in the name of promoting “justice” can threaten individual liberties & lead to a loss of autonomy.
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4. Lack of intellectual diversity:  The dominance of “woke” ideas in certain cultural & academic spheres can lead to a lack of intellectual diversity & an intolerance of dissenting views.
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5. Divisiveness:  The emphasis on group identity & the promotion of certain social justice causes can lead to greater division & resentment between different groups

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From the Keeping Watch Podcast #25 – Woke

• Wokeness is simply a secular religion …

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• It has doctrines that are political doctrines that are arriving at the place of fanaticism… They have a religious fervour…
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• Wokism’s focus is to create social justice warriors to shout down dissent against any opposing view?!?  They smear any contrary idea as “injustice”.  For example … voicing ANY opposing thought about the causes or urgency of climate change is labeled climate “Injustice”
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• Questioning wokeness is heresy … & unbelievers must be converted -OR- they are punished & destroyed … ie convert or die!
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• Wokeness is “the mob”

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• Like in religion … You must profess with your mouth … that “woke ideas are the way”,  or you’re a heretic, & a target.  And the “doctrines” of Wokism are always changing!   Whatever you agree to today …  they may demand more from you tomorrow …  Maybe you can’t live up to THAT new change, & suddenly YOU’RE rejected!
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To see this podcast … Click here
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To view a Transcript … Click here
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To view Pastor Michael Deering’s Essays  …
… Click Here for “What is Woke?”
… Click Here for “They Must Preach Wokeness”
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To see Washington Post Video referenced in Keeping Watch…
(Silence is Violence! … showing white woman being verbally attacked by the mob … for not showing support for BLM) … Click here

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Consequences for people who are NOT “woke enough” include:

• Criticism
• Ridicule (maligned)
• Exclusion from certain social or professional circles (ostracized)
• Being seen as “out of touch” (a dinosaur, or Neanderthal) with current attitudes & trends
• Missing out on opportunities to participate in discussions & debates about important issues
• Personal Backlash – losing friends, family members, Banned from Social Media
• Professional backlash – Career stagnation or being terminated
• Harassment
• Violence