When did “Woke” Become a Negative Term?

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

Sleeping serves its purpose. Sometimes, we have magical dreams. Other times, we have dreams about people we haven’t thought about in a long while or dreams that remind us of things we need to accomplish when we wake up.

A long time ago I had a friend who slept over with her three-year-old grandson. In the morning, the child rose and exclaimed, “I waked up!”

I like to think I, too, have “waked up.”

If you are awake, life happens.

So why is “woke” such a bad term these days? Synonyms for “woke/awaken” include: acquainted, vigilant, knowledgeable, aware.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be all of those things.

According to dictionary.com, the newest term for woke means: being conscious of racial discrimination in society and other forms of oppression and injustice. In mainstream use, woke can also more generally describe someone or something as being “with it.”

And what is wrong with being conscious of racial discrimination?

So why do people use “woke” as a negative term?

“Before 2014, the call to “stay woke” was, for many people, unheard of. The idea behind it was common within Black communities at that point — the notion that staying “woke” and alert to the deceptions of other people was a basic survival tactic. But in 2014, following the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, “stay woke” suddenly became the cautionary watchword of Black Lives Matter activists on the streets, used in a chilling and specific context: keeping watch for police brutality and unjust police tactics.” (site credit)

So, it appears to me that those who use “woke” in a negative tone are in denial of basic facts.

And just a reminder, synonyms for “deny” are: negative, ban, oppose, rebuff, reject, discredit.

I don’t know about you but I’d rather look like this:

than this:

Wait! What? No More Middle Finger?

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

Apparently, the middle finger expression of anger is being replaced. How could that be? It’s been around since, well, I was born.

Not only have I used that tallest digit, I have been the recipient of it.

I didn’t believe what I’d heard on the radio so I looked it up.

Yep. Now, in this age of emoji’s, the middle finger is being replaced by the thumbs down sign. Generation Z is coming out in full force.

One person described it like this: It’s the equivalent of telling someone, “I’m not mad, I’m DISAPPOINTED.”

Wow!

So I had to look up Generation Z-ers.

They were born between 1997 and 2012.

In general:

Gen Zs are driven by digital – 95% own Smart phones, 64% use Instagram at least once a day.

According to a Deloitte survey, they are stressed or anxious most of the time. Are those two related? However, they are also more likely to receive therapy or mental health treatment than any other generation.

Of the 38% of Gen Zs who have entered the workforce, 40% say they plan on leaving their job within the next two years because 1, they are concerned with work-life balance and, 2, they are not satisfied with their organizations’ impact on society. Three in four say they prefer remote work. And, they want to be financially independent by age 30. Maybe that’s one of the reasons Gen Z influencers command the highest fees for sponsored content?

Gen Zs are the most educated, and the most ethnically diverse generation ever. They are concerned with the environment, embrace diversity and Social Justice. And for this, I will give them three big thumbs up.

source: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/gen-z-stats

Where Are You, America?

Posted on July 4, 2020 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

For me, and perhaps for you other Americans as well, this July 4th has been very different from all the others. I miss being able to travel from “sea to shining shore” to see fireworks, to have BBQ’s that include more family and friends. I miss the president whose mission was to unite us instead of divide us. Tonight before bed, I will watch Hamilton then clothe myself in strength and wake with the determination that America will secure for us a better tomorrow.⁠

Filling the Sinkhole Together

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

There has to be a loophole

for us who still believe

in justice, freedom and our rights

amidst dishonesty.

This gap won’t last much longer

for together we’ll encroach

to fill the sinkhole with the hearts

we’ll never let them poach.

Hands united, standing tall

we’ll show a greater strength

than those who are unwilling

to detect our common link.

Photo one credit

Photo two credit

via Loophole

Tomorrow, August 19th, freedom of speech will be tested again

Posted on August 19, 2017 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

Dear Boston,

Tomorrow, you have a choice. The far-right has scheduled another rally. Some may be your citizens, some may come from other places.

Some of you will oppose the rally.

Yes, the far-right has a right to speak. Perhaps, if you are like me, you will continue to “fight” for justice and equality for all people. But please “fight” with words.

Regardless of your “side”, I know how tense passions are – how they can escalate to the rise in blood pressure, to teeth grinding, to clenched fists. But please, put down your shields, your torches, your tear gas. In fact, don’t bring them at all.

And to my NON Alt-right friends: As difficult as it may be, perhaps you can stand back and listen. Then, maybe we will discover why the alt-right is so afraid of differences and what led them to that fear.

Sincerely,

Carolyn D-W

Separate but (not treated) Equal

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

After Isaac puts the Pontiac in neutral and maneuvers it out on the driveway, he asks me to hand him a screwdriver. He tightens some do-ma-hickey then replaces the battery with the one he picked up at the local auto part’s store.

“You sure know a lot about a lot of things, Isaac Ford,” I tell him. “And don’t dare say anything stupid like, ‘so you think I’m smarter than the average colored boy.’”

“I read a lot. And my mama teaches at my school. The Academy for Black Youth in case you’re wondering.”

“We don’t have any Negros in my school. Not because they can’t come but because most of them live across town.”

“Separate but Equal,” he says, shaking his head.

I think of my summer reading assignment — A Separate Peace.

“Thing is, Chicken Coop. I want to make something of myself. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out how. I can’t play music, I don’t want to be a preacher—”

“Then do something else. Be a mechanic. Be a teacher. Be whatever you want.”

“Okay. I’ll be a surgeon. After they let me in a university because of my a-Maze-ing chemistry and biology grades, I graduate. Then, I look for a job that will hire a colored surgeon. And, if I’m lucky enough to land that job, white folks will say, ‘I don’t want some colored boy operating on me.’ Then, I’m back where I started. Without a job.”

“You’re so cynical, Isaac.”

“Cynical?” He points a finger at my chest. “You know nothing. Nothing! What do I have to be cheery-faced about? Huh? That I can fix a goddam car? Tell Olvie it’s ready. She can drive it in the garage her own damn self. I’m going home.”

From my WIP about forging friendships during the Civil Rights Movement (1963)

photo credit

We Did It!!

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Carolyn Dennis-Willingham, Author

Unfortunately, due to traveling, I was unable to be part of this glory. I am so proud of my city’s turnout, including my daughter and granddaughter. Over 50,000 showed up and made their voices heard.It makes my heart swell! A Successful march, indeed!

I am also proud of the one million-plus who showed their support from around the world. Thank you!