Because my thoughts are those of a white person, I must start this by saying that before reading my thoughts on the subject, you should read a few articles on the origins and true meaning of being “woke.”
Woke – Wikipedia
MLK Jr. On Getting ‘Woke’ in 1965 – In Case You’re Interested – 1/21/2019
Reclaiming the Word “Woke” as Part of African American Culture. – NAACP – 2023
To me, being an ally in a general sense, means being aware of and respectful toward people who are different from or have different experiences than me.
Being an ally is seeing beauty in diversity; the same diversity that is evident throughout nature. Obvious or subtle, these differences in the way we are formed, the way we look, think, feel, see the world, and express ourselves are like our own unique fingerprints. Each is different. There are similarities, yet no two are exactly alike.
Being an ally is being willing to hear someone else’s view of themselves without judgment, accepting their point of view as being a valid part of their experience, and acknowledging or affirming their differences, self-expression, and existence.
Being an ally is to truly be open to what it is to be human in all its forms and to see everyone else’s life, culture, experience, and voice as equal to mine.
To me, being a “woke” ally is to uplift and protect the right of each person to live their own life free from discrimination, abuse, and fear.
Being a “woke” ally means being willing to stand up with, or give the mic to, those who are underrepresented and marginalized among us.
Being “woke” means remaining alert to racial prejudice and discrimination and being willing to stand up against oppression and seek justice and reconciliation.
I know I am a white person, and this term is primarily for the black population, but if this is what it is to be “woke,” I hope that I can live the rest of my life being “woke” AF.
Updated 3/1/2024
~ elr
Image: ID 185416882 © William Barton | Dreamstime.com
Wise suggestions
I want to thank Evelyn Redwine for so poignantly and succinctly addressing the dilemma facing all individuals who choose to stand up for any oppressed group of people of which they have no connection other than the most important one, and that’s the HUMAN connection. You may feel as though you are walking a tightrope, as you fear that you are overstepping an imaginary boundary in your efforts to ally yourself with the cause of justice of that group.
As Dr. King stated, we must become a global community, and all are welcome in that community if we understand that we will work as one.
You’ve chosen not to sleep through the revolution for a better world for all. You are not misappropriating that word because your intentions are honorable, and you understand the origins of its meaning. Welcome to the world of the WOKE, and may millions more join us in the struggle to improve life globally for all people!