According to Dictionary dot com, “woke” is described as

1. having or being marked by an active awareness of systemic injustices and prejudices, especially those involving the treatment of ethnic, racial, or sexual minorities

2. disparaging: as used by political opponents, of or relating to a liberal progressive orthodoxy

The goal of using this word in a negative way seems to be two-fold:

1. to discourage us from accepting others, and

2. to encourage us to participate in discouraging others from being empathetic

Is it woke to be aware of all of the cruel injustices in our history? Is it woke to preserve the records of the abuses of our ancestors? Is it woke to ensure that our children have access to books that shed light on the experiences of others, with the intent to promote greater understanding and tolerance?

If being woke is a bad thing, then we might feel reluctant to broaden our perspectives and entertain new insights that can lead to a more caring and accepting society.