The term "woke" is often used to refer to progressive, politically correct stances on race, gender ideology, and other hot-button topics. The word first appeared in print in a 1962 New York Times essay by author William Melvin Kelley. Merriam-Webster added the word to its dictionary in 2017, defining it as "aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)."
"The word woke became entwined with the Black Lives Matter movement; instead of just being a word that signaled awareness of injustice or racial tension, it became a word of action. Activists were woke and called on others to stay woke," according to Merriam-Webster.
Woke culture has spread across various fields, including education, the corporate world, politics, and social media. The term's meaning evolved further with the rise of "cancel culture." As both terms gained popularity, they became intertwined in public consciousness.
