The term "woke" originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has since become widely used in mainstream culture. It refers to being aware, informed, and actively engaged in social and political issues, particularly those related to racial and social justice.

Being woke means recognizing and challenging systemic injustices, such as racism, sexism, and discrimination, and actively working towards creating a more equitable society. It goes beyond just acknowledging these issues; it involves taking action and advocating for change.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the concept of being woke:

• Understanding and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement: Being woke means recognizing the systemic racism that disproportionately affects Black individuals and supporting efforts to address and dismantle it.
• Recognizing privilege: Being woke involves acknowledging one's own privilege, whether it's based on race, gender, or other factors, and using that privilege to uplift marginalized voices.
• Being an ally: Woke individuals actively educate themselves about the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities and use their voices and platforms to amplify those voices and advocate for change.

It's important to note that being woke is an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and growing. It requires self-reflection, empathy, and a commitment to challenging one's own biases and assumptions.

References:

1. Smith, E. (2016). "Stay Woke: The Language and Culture of Black Lives Matter." New York: Oxford University Press.
2. Harris, K. (2017). "From 'Woke' to 'Stay Woke': A Glossary for Understanding Social Justice Language." Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric, 7(1), 35-45.