A double-edged sword

Rounak Marium | Published: August 03, 2024 22:29:17

The modern social and political discourse has been greatly impacted by the rise of woke culture, especially among young people around the world. This was originally focused on raising awareness and taking action against systemic injustices. However, it has now become a complex issue with both strong supporters and vocal critics. In evaluating the impact of this shift in society, it is important to consider both the positive effects and the challenges that come with woke culture.
The term ''woke'' originally came from the African American Vernacular English expression, 'stay woke'. This means you need to stay aware about social and political issues. Various issues, including environmental advocacy, gender equality, and opposition to capitalism, were included within the broader framework of woke culture.
It has inspired a new generation of activists to become involved in societal and political issues, particularly among young people. And the user-friendliness of social media has allowed the quick spread of these movements. This rapid spread has quickly raised awareness and influenced public opinion worldwide. More significantly it has impacted media narratives in the last decade.
Woke culture has had a significant impact on addressing and reducing social injustice. It has helped in giving a voice to marginalised people. It has also been challenging institutional biases and pushing for justice. Climate Justice, and #MeToo, for example, has brought attention to important concerns that have previously been ignored or ridiculed by systems and the mainstream media.
The main complaint today about woke culture is that many times it turns into a strict set of rules where people are harshly judged if they don't abide by them. On many occasions, the way woke culture is expressed on social media leaves little room for differing opinions. It has also been making people overly critical and aggressive in addressing things. Sometimes in the name of being woke, people are stereotyped wrongly. Such performative activism acts are done to promote one's own virtue rather than bring about real change.
The issue involving comedian Kevin Hart in 2018 is a good illustration of this. Even though he had already apologised, his old controversial comments reappeared when he was announced as the 2019 Oscar presenter. After facing severe criticism, Hart finally resigned, demonstrating how poisonous woke culture can force people into submission or silence. As said, this gives no scope and no opportunity for personal development or atonement.
Most recently, the emergence of cancel culture, which stems from woke culture, adds another layer of complexity to this issue. Although its main purpose is to make influential individuals answer for their actions, it has also suppressed open discussions and unrestricted expression. As a result, the fear of being ''cancelled'' can make people afraid to speak their minds which ultimately slows down the progress that woke culture originally tried to promote.
rounak.marium@gmail.com