Hark to Thy “Wokeness”
“Once a cry for systemic racism and injustice, "wokeness" has been co-opted by the political right to decry "political correctness" and leftist beliefs,” is a quote shared in a USA Today article written by Jessica Guynn. Being “#woke” has been weaponized to shame those it’s meant to support - and their supporters. But why?
Wokeness has expanded to include support for others in marginalized communities, such as women, LGBTQIA+, Asian American, Latinx, immigrants, economically-disadvantaged, etc. It’s not like we ALL haven’t coexisted for as long as we can remember. We are just FINALLY getting the opportunity to highlight the varied, thoughtful stories and experiences we haven’t seen or discussed before (on a larger scale) and to help ensure we all have equal justice and liberties. What’s so bad about that?
If we don’t want people to be “woke” or, more simply put, aware of the injustices experienced by those in these communities, what do we want? To continue to cause harm because it’s more convenient or because people - who snark at “wokeness” - don’t care about others because…well…it’s not them or people like them?
What’s the end game? Really? To decide to NOT care about fellow humans - individually or as a group? For those who think being “woke” is something to distain, remember it’s not personal - until it is. When voices fall silent when you need to amplify your needs or a cause or person dear to you, your desire for “wokeness” will be waiting.
As we increase our level of awareness to acquire “justice for all,” it may not be easy. We may fail in our attempts toward equity and equality, but if our intent in heart-led, we grow and we learn. We continue forward movement. As oppose to dismissing the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of others - causing continuous harm - engage. #Talkaboutit to understand and connect. Whether we like or not, our lives, stories, and experiences have always been interconnected. We’re just realizing just how connected we are - if we choose to see AND acknowledge it.
When you talk about “#wokeness,” what are you really saying…about you?
#coaching #DEI #belonging #injustice #changeagent #leadership #selfempowerment #woke #talkaboutit #talkaboutitbook