Diversity instead of prejudice - what "being woke" really means

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Today we're talking about a term that you hear quite often: the term "woke" or "being woke". But where does this term actually come from?

The term originates from the 1960s in the USA, where it developed as part of the civil rights movement and the fight against racism. It meant being aware of the inequalities that exist everywhere and that are also anchored in the system. However, it was not just "being aware", but also a call to action to reduce these inequalities. Later, the term evolved to encompass not only racism, but all forms of discrimination.

Nowadays, however, the term is somewhat controversial. On the one hand, there are people who see it as an empty term without substance that some people only use to make a name for themselves. Above all, however, it is the right-wing scene that uses the term to denounce what they call "cancel culture".

Their point is that "being woke" means that you are no longer allowed to say anything, that everything is immediately condemned and that, above all, that freedom of expression is limited. Much more important than the question of whether the term has been reinterpreted or not is to focus on the actual essence of the term. Namely, recognising experiences of discrimination, reducing inequalities, both in the system and in everyday life.

If we all focus a little on that, then it doesn't matter whether you call it "woke" or simply a positive contribution to a fairer society.