The word “woke” has gone from a symbol of political awareness to a beacon of controversy. A word once standing for justice and empathy has become a political battleground. So when did caring become controversial?

The term “woke” was initially used in Black protest songs dating back to the early 20th century, meaning to stay politically aware. During the Civil Rights movement, African Americans needed to be conscious of race relations, politics, class, and gender. The more recent Black Lives Matter movement brought the term “woke” to a larger audience as a rallying cry, urging people to see the injustice that surrounds them. Yet this word has been diverted from a call for action into a political slogan. 

Now, it is increasingly important to be politically aware. The amount of misinformation throughout social media affects everyone on every spectrum. Too many people are not educated enough on key systemic issues. This lack of education leads to more people not voting in significant elections, impacting us all. 

Being “woke” can lead to increased social awareness and to greater empathy and compassion. When a minority’s experiences are recognized and understood, it leads to a more balanced world that benefits everyone. Those who empathize with others will never be alone, because human compassion connects us all.  

On the other hand, some argue that “woke” culture has created a hostile environment, which resulted in what is called “cancel culture.” Some claim that cancel culture has caused people to be fearful of saying what they truly believe in public, so as not to be canceled. Being canceled on the internet can ruin a well-established and respected reputation in the real world. Cancel culture can threaten college prospects, job offers, and lead to ostracization from one’s community. For example, in 2019, British author J.K. Rowling received backlash for writing an essay centered around her concern for transgender rights activism. Rowling, once a beloved and admired writer famous for the Harry Potter series, is now a very polarized figure for speaking about her beliefs, which have been roundly criticized as transphobic. 

Similarly, the Washington Commanders faced pressure to change their long-standing name, the Washington Redskins. The derogatory term “redskin” refers to Native Americans, causing many to challenge the Washington-based football team. The pressure the team faced, not only from fans but also from their sponsors, led to a change. The new name was met with encouragement, but some lifelong fans hated it. 

There must be a balance between speaking one’s mind and being compassionate toward others. It is important that we, as a society, are aware of the ongoing issues in the world, yet at the same time, it is important not to overreact. True progress does not come from silencing others. When we respond to opinions with outrage, we lose the empathy we attempt to defend. If everyone were compassionate, caring, and understanding of others, the world would be a better place.