The Rise and Reappropriation of "Woke" in American Politics
In his recent address to Congress, former President Donald Trump singled out one term as a rallying point for his vision of America: being “woke.” Trump declared, “We’ve ended the tyranny of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion policies all across the entire federal government. Our country will be woke no longer.” This speech marked the latest chapter in a broader Republican effort to weaponize the term “woke” as a symbol of what they argue is the worst of progressive ideology. However, Trump’s framing of wokeness as a threat to American values is a far cry from the term’s origins in Black culture and activism. The co-opting of “woke” by GOP leaders like Trump reflects a larger political strategy to stirred division, but it also obscures the term’s rich history as a call for justice and awareness.
The Origins of “Woke” and Its Historical Significance
Long before “woke” became a partisan talking point, it was a term deeply rooted in Black American culture and activism. The word originated in Black vernacular and was initially used to encourage vigilance against racial injustice. One of the earliest recorded uses of the term can be traced to the 1900s, when blues musician Lead Belly sang in his song “Scottsboro Boys,” “Stay woke. Keep your eyes open,” referring to the need for Black Americans to remain alert to the dangers of racism and systemic oppression. Decades later, during the Black Lives Matter movement of the 2010s, the term gained new life online, where young activists popularized the hashtag #staywoke to advocate for political awareness and systemic change.
Elaine Richardson, a professor at Ohio State University who studies African diaspora literacy, explained that “woke” was born out of the need for Black people to develop language that could succinctly express complex ideas about racism and resilience. “The Black word woke,” she wrote in a 2018 paper, “is an excellent example of how Black people develop African American language by imbuing it with concepts needing to be expressed efficiently—in one word.” For generations, “woke” was a badge of honor, signifying a commitment to fighting injustice and standing in solidarity with marginalized communities.
How “Woke” Became a Political Weapon
In recent years, however, the term has been stripped of its Black cultural roots and transformed into a pejorative by conservative politicians like Trump. This redefinition is not accidental. By framing “woke” as a synonym for excessive political correctness or radical ideology, Republicans have turned the term into a rallying cry for their base, who often view diversity and equity initiatives as threats to traditional values. In his address, Trump linked the end of “woke” policies to a merit-based system where professionals are hired and promoted “based on skill and competence, not race or gender.” This framing pits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) against meritocracy, a false dichotomy that many experts reject.
Trump’s characterization of wokeness aligns with efforts by other Republican leaders, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has campaigned against the so-called “woke mob” and signed legislation like the “Stop WOKE Act” to restrict discussions of systemic injustice in schools and workplaces. When asked to define “woke” in federal court, DeSantis’ general counsel described it as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.” For many conservatives, wokeness has become shorthand for the idea that acknowledging systemic inequality is itself a form of radicalism.
The Misuse of “Woke” and Its Implications
Experts argue that Trump’s version of “woke” is a deliberate distortion of the term’s original meaning. Davey Shlasko, CEO of Think Again Training & Consulting, suggests that Trump and other conservatives are attacking the idea of systemic injustice itself. “They don’t want people to acknowledge, understand, or work against systemic inequality,” Shlasko explained. By framing wokeness as a pathology, these leaders are not only dismissing the experiences of marginalized communities but also undermining efforts to create a more equitable society.
At the same time, Shlasko notes that some people’s hostility toward wokeness may stem from discomfort with the term’s association with progressivism and solidarity. “Maybe some of the people who make fun of people for being woke are secretly jealous,” he said, “or hear it as a condemnation of people who aren’t like them, or as permission to see people who aren’t like them as less than human.” This perspective highlights the deeply emotional and polarizing nature of the term in contemporary politics.
The Broader Cultural Debate Over “Woke”
Despite its co-opting by conservatives, the term “woke” still holds positive connotations for many Americans. A 2023 USA TODAY/Ipsos poll found that 56% of respondents believed “woke” meant “to be informed, educated on, and aware of social injustices.” This view was shared not only by 75% of Democrats but also by more than a third of Republicans. Activist and actress Jane Fonda recently summed it up, saying, “‘Woke’ just means you give a damn about other people.” For many, being woke is not a negative trait but a sign of empathy, awareness, and commitment to justice.
Shlasko echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the original meaning of wokeness is inherently positive. “It is waking up to the reality that the system is unfair, and that collectively we can do something about it,” he said. At its core, “woke” represents a call to action—a reminder that true progress requires acknowledging the inequalities that continue to shape American society.
Conclusion: The Battle Over “Woke” and Its Meaning
The debate over “woke” is more than just a semantic argument; it reflects deeper tensions in American culture and politics. While Trump and other conservatives use the term to stoke division and oppose progressive policies, its origins and evolution reveal a more complex and aspirational meaning. As the term continues to be weaponized, it’s worth remembering its roots in Black activism and its original purpose: to inspire awareness, solidarity, and action in the face of injustice. Whether “woke” remains a unifying call for justice or becomes a permanent casualty of partisan politics will depend on how Americans choose to define and reclaim it.
