Last weekend a Facebook user attempted to insult me by saying “get in the bin you woke idiot”, obviously not a nice thing to read, but calling me woke is one of the nicest compliments you can give me. Although I prefer the term:
Awake
So what’s the difference?
Firstly, woke is now a derogatory term suggesting that people are too considerate for their own good. It is true that a lot of what sets the younger generation aquiver, was just normal life in my day and age. But we all do the best we can with the life we personally live. The perfect home often isn’t, and millions don’t bring happiness.
However, awake is a different thing. I am awake to the needs of others, to the needs of my society, of the animal kingdom, the birds, the hedgehogs, the insects. No bees, no us.
I’m awake to the fact that I’m not the most important person on the planet, that other people have challenges I don’t understand. That my opinions are just that, not truth unless they’re backed by evidence. That it’s okay that I and others think differently. That I don’t rule the thought world, my beliefs aren’t law, and God doesn’t have to quake if I’m outraged by something I read on Facebook because I’m that important.
I did try replying to that man, then I realised that there was no need, I will always try to find balance, to see both sides. I will always give credit where it’s due, and seek the best in others. I’m happy to be that person.
Not woke – awake and aware.
If this resonates with you, do not let anyone change you. You are what the world needs, don’t let anyone try to tell you otherwise.
Deb xx
Deb Hawken - Amorah 