Quick post today.
I wanted to tackle a massive issue that’s been in the news lately.
Not only is the term “Woke” everywhere, used both as a compliment and a pejorative, but few people actually understand what it means.
I’m going to give it a shot, right off the top of my head.
“Woke” is a philosophy that acknowledges the reality of historical power dynamics, and seeks to change the inherent unfairness of centuries of dominance, based upon power imbalances.
Power dynamics are the key here.
Power means you can make a person do something. And you don’t have to behave in a way that respects their basic human dignity.
It can be a boss that yells at you, and never faces accountability.
Often, (and most famously,) it means that systemic behaviors like misogyny and racism, which permanently ensconced women and minorities as an underclass, need to be upended.
Unfortunately, “Woke” has gotten a bad name, because like the Israelis, and the French peasants during their Revolution, often times, when people get power, the first thing they want to do is enact revenge against the people that mistreated them.
(Or in the case of the Israelis, kicking a disempowered culture while they’re down, via Apartheid and Occupation.)
It’s not “Woke” to treat people badly on purpose.
(Even if you think they deserve it, because they represent a gender, or race/culture that typically held sway.)
Meaning, it’s not “Woke” to use your power to knowingly disrespect someone, just because you can.
Traditional power structures used gaslighting, as it meant they never had to challenge the message.
Just dismiss the messenger.
You’re crazy!
You’re hysterical!
You’re so angry all the time, it must be you!
It happens every day.
In other words, if you want to be “Woke,” be cool. Treat people well, and understand that if you have a historically privileged position, try to use it to help others with less power.
If you fuck up, just say you’re sorry.
And if occasionally, you have to see someone else succeed, (instead of you,) don’t go crazy about it.
Take the L, realize it wasn’t your turn, and move on with grace.
Sunshine and Olly 
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