Daily Current Affairs : 25-October-2023

In recent news, the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak targeted a group he referred to as “cultural Marxists or woke,” labeling them as deceitful and destructive forces in the country. This statement has sparked a heated debate about the meaning and implications of the term ‘woke’.

Origin of the Word ‘Woke’
  • The term ‘woke’ originated in the United States within Black communities, derived from the word ‘awake’.
  • In African American Vernacular English (AAVE), ‘awake’ was often rendered as ‘woke’, indicating the need to stay aware and vigilant in the face of threats of violence, especially due to the denial of basic rights to Black people.
  • Its usage gained momentum during the organized fight for recognition and civil rights.
The Global Usage of ‘Woke’
  • ‘Woke’ was officially recognized and added to the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster in 2017.
  • In various parts of the world, conservative politicians have used ‘woke’ mockingly, associating it with inclusivity, gender equality, and environmental conservation.
  • In a BBC documentary titled ‘India: The Modi Question’, an RSS leader attributed the decline of the BBC to the rise of woke culture in British elites.
Criticism Surrounding ‘Woke’
  • Many progressive groups critique the casual usage of ‘woke’, arguing that it has lost its connection to its activism-heavy history. It is now employed by powerful individuals merely to appear politically correct without meaningful action.
  • Marginalized communities, who are the intended beneficiaries of the term’s awareness, are often distant from these debates, rendering the term empty in their reality.
  • Companies also use ‘woke’ in ad campaigns, exploiting the term for commercial gain, further diluting its meaning.
  • Conservatives view ‘woke’ as a divisive, identity-driven approach to change, conflicting with traditional ideas of liberalism and capitalism, where hard work alone should determine success, not social identities.

Important Points:

  • Origin of ‘Woke’:
    • Originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE).
    • Derived from ‘awake’, symbolizing vigilance against violence and denial of rights to Black people.
    • Gained momentum during the civil rights movement.
  • Global Usage of ‘Woke’:
    • Added to the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster in 2017.
    • Used mockingly by conservative politicians worldwide, associating it with inclusivity, gender equality, and environmental conservation.
    • Referenced in the BBC documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ in the context of the decline of British elites due to woke culture.
  • Criticism Surrounding ‘Woke’:
    • Divorced from its activist history, now used casually by powerful individuals for political correctness without substantial action.
    • Marginalized communities, intended beneficiaries, often disconnected from the debates, making the term’s usage hollow in their reality.
    • Exploited by companies in ad campaigns for commercial gain, further diluting its meaning.
    • Viewed by conservatives as a divisive, identity-driven approach conflicting with traditional ideas of success based on hard work, not social identities.
Why In News

In his speech, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak chief vehemently condemned ‘cultural Marxists or woke’ people, denouncing them as deceitful and destructive forces in the country, further emphasizing the need for unity and cultural preservation.

MCQs about The Woke Dilemma:Unraveling Complexity and Critique

  1. What is the origin of the term ‘woke’?
    A. It originated in the United States from Black communities.
    B. It came from Latin and means “awareness.”
    C. It was introduced by European politicians.
    D. It was created as a marketing term.
    Correct Answer: A. It originated in the United States from Black communities.
    Explanation: The term ‘woke’ originated in the United States within Black communities.
  2. When did ‘woke’ officially enter dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster?
    A. In the 1960s during the civil rights movement.
    B. In the early 20th century.
    C. In 2017.
    D. It is not recognized in any dictionaries.
    Correct Answer: C. In 2017.
    Explanation: ‘woke’ was officially recognized and added to dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster in 2017.
  3. How do conservatives generally perceive the term ‘woke’?
    A. As a symbol of unity and progress.
    B. As a divisive, identity-driven approach to change.
    C. As a marketing strategy for businesses.
    D. As an outdated term with no relevance.
    Correct Answer: B. As a divisive, identity-driven approach to change.
    Explanation: The conservatives view ‘woke’ as a divisive, identity-driven approach to change, particularly in the United States, conflicting with traditional ideas of success based on hard work.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading