Being “woke” or socially aware is more than a label. It involves genuine understanding, empathy, and action towards resolving societal issues. A true social justice advocate does more than just post on social media. They attend protests, educate themselves on injustices, and use their privilege to help uplift the voices of the marginalized. If you’re wondering whether you’re truly an activist or faking woke, here are 10 ways to tell.
1. Taking Action
Authentic woke individuals don’t just talk about change; they actively engage in meaningful actions to address social injustices. This could involve volunteering, advocating for policy changes, or supporting marginalized communities in tangible ways. If you only post on social media in support of social causes, it’s an indication that you may be faking woke.
2. Continuous Learning And Improvement
Genuine woke individuals consistently educate themselves on social justice issues, history, and systemic injustices. If they make a mistake and say something offensive accidentally, they quickly apologize and work on properly informing themselves so they can do better in the future. If you get defensive when someone calls you out, it could be a sign that you’re engaging in fake, performative activism.
3. Recognizing Privilege
True social justice activists acknowledge their own privileges, whether they are related to race, gender, class, or any other aspect. Instead of speaking for or overshadowing marginalized groups, they use their privilege to uplift unheard voices.
4. Understanding Intersectionality
Becoming truly woke involves recognizing the interconnected nature of social identities and oppressions. If you understand that someone’s experience is shaped by multiple factors such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, you’re on the right track.
Comprehending intersectionality will also enable you to acknowledge your privilege. Even if you’re disadvantaged in one area, you may have other privileges that you need to be aware of.
5. Respecting Safe Spaces
Woke individuals respect the need for safe spaces for marginalized communities. They don’t try to insert themselves into every conversation or online forum and know when to sit back and listen.
6. Using Language Carefully
Social justice-oriented individuals use language carefully with consideration for others’ feelings. They understand that certain words and phrases can be upsetting to marginalized groups and stay away from them.
They stay up-to-date on language trends as they evolve to avoid causing harm or committing microaggressions. Woke individuals also recognize that it’s not their place as an ally to reclaim words that were historically used to disparage a marginalized group.
7. Acknowledging Past And Present Injustices
Truly woke individuals recognize historical injustices and their lasting impacts on present-day, systemic inequalities. They don’t downplay or ignore these realities but actively work towards reconciliation and reparations.
8. Examining Personal Biases
Dedicated social justice advocates regularly introspect and challenge their own biases and prejudices. They actively work to unlearn harmful beliefs, behaviors, and stereotypes rather than remaining complacent.
9. Respecting Cultural Differences
Woke individuals respect cultural differences and actively oppose cultural appropriation. They understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and consent when engaging with traditions, symbols, and practices from diverse communities.
10. Long-Term Commitment
Wokeness isn’t a temporary trend. It’s a lifelong commitment to social justice and equity. If you’re in it for the long haul and consistently strive to make a positive impact, you’re likely more than just faking woke.
Progress Over Perfection
Developing the qualities on this list may seem like a daunting undertaking. Instead of trying to become a full-fledged activist overnight, try to break it down into steps. Think about smaller actions you can take to work toward genuine activism, such as reading a book or planning to attend an upcoming protest.
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.