How to navigate anti-woke backlash and foster inclusion

The concept of ‘being woke’ has become front and centre in many conversations about inclusion & diversity, evoking a range of reactions which may also include scepticism.  Cheryl Carty, Inclusion & Diversity Consultant at Inclusive Employers, explores the origins and meaning of the term, and addresses the evolving conversation around it.

Understanding what it means to be “woke”

Over the past two years, I’ve heard the word woke said more than I’ve heard my name pronounced correctly, which is no joke!

‘Woke’ is a term that originated within the African American culture. It refers to a state of heightened awareness and consciousness. It implies being actively informed about and sensitive to issues such as racism, sexism, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. It involves recognising and challenging the existing power structures and working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

If you have family or connections that originate from the African diaspora, you will likely be used to hearing the term woke.

Woke has become a term that is used more commonly in commercial settings. We read about it in the newspapers, see it on TikTok, sing to it while listening to radio/mobiles, and it’s not a new concept to all cultures – for example, it has been cited in Hip Hop and RnB genres for years.  I remember when I was helping to assemble a staff network for Black employees, and when we were thinking of a name for the group, the term woke came up. That was over seven years ago.

Today, the word can evoke a range of reactions, including fear and scepticism. Why is this?

Perception

Some people see the concept of being woke as extreme or overly sensitive.  They sometimes believe that individuals who identify as woke are overly reactive or far too quick to find offence, leading to a fear of being judged or criticised for unintentionally saying or doing something inappropriate.

Politics

Others feel that the term has been associated with certain political and ideological learnings which link to progressive or left-leaning groups. Because of this association, there are those with fear and distrust towards those with different political beliefs who view the word ‘woke’ as representative of ideologies they disagree with.

Resistance to change

We all know that change can be uncomfortable, and the woke movement can challenge societal norms, traditional power structures and ingrained biases.  People resistant to change may feel threatened or afraid of losing their perceived privileges or advantages, leading to a fear or usage of the term woke.

Cancel culture

Something new to add to this list is cancel culture and the backlash it can create.  The idea of cancel culture involves publicly criticising and boycotting individuals or entities for perceived wrongdoing, which has been associated with the woke movement. Again, the association with the term can lead to fears of being targeted, ostracised, or losing one’s reputation or livelihood due to a perceived misstep or difference in opinion.

Misunderstanding terminology

Like any term or movement, woke can be misinterpreted or misrepresented in media or popular culture. This can lead to confusion, stereotypes, and fear based on inaccurate or incomplete information.

It’s important to note that all the reasons listed above do not apply to everyone, and opinions on the term woke can vary widely.  Some individuals fully embrace the principles and goals associated with being woke, while others may be critical or sceptical of the term for different reasons.

One of the most famous uses of the term in recent years is its link with the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly following the high-profile police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. The incident sparked widespread protests and discussions about racial inequality and police violence, and the term “woke” became prominent within the movement as a call to awareness and activism against systemic racism.

The phrase “stay woke” became familiar as a rallying cry and reminder for individuals to stay alert and informed about social injustices. It was used to encourage people to recognise and challenge the deep-rooted biases and inequalities that persist in society.

Since then, the term has expanded beyond the Black community and has been used in various social and political discussions – for example, discussions around feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, indigenous rights, immigrant rights, disability rights and other movements that seek to address different forms of discrimination and power imbalances. Woke can be applied to individuals or groups who actively raise awareness, promote equity, and advocate for social change in these areas.