Reclaiming "Woke" and the Full Story of History

The conversation around "woke" has been twisted in recent years, creating a false narrative that pits historical truth-telling against patriotism. But understanding where the term "woke" came from and why it matters is essential for anyone who values historical accuracy and social progress.

The True Meaning of "Woke"

The term "woke" originated in the Black community during the 1930s, a time when lynchings were prevalent, and systemic racism was an undeniable force in American life. It was a cautionary term, urging African Americans to stay alert and aware of their surroundings when stepping outside their communities into a world dominated by white privilege.

To be "woke" was to understand the dangers of being Black in a white-dominated society—to know how to navigate spaces safely and avoid potential violence. The term also extended to allies, particularly white individuals who recognized and acknowledged their privilege and sought to understand the lived realities of their Black friends and neighbors.

Today, however, the term has been co-opted and weaponized, used as a caricature of progressivism rather than a call for awareness and safety. Instead of promoting understanding, it’s often framed as an attack on tradition or an affront to white identity.

The Problem with Selective Storytelling

Take, for example, the discussion of George Washington. When on “Real Time with Bill Maher”, Elon Musk told Bill Maher that today’s students first describe Washington as a slave owner, Maher nodded in agreement without asking for sources or context. This uncritical acceptance perpetuates a misleading narrative, as if acknowledging the full scope of Washington’s life somehow diminishes his accomplishments and when most students Black or otherwise, would describe Washington as the first president of the United States.

In reality, history is nuanced. George Washington was both a Revolutionary War hero and a slave owner. Both facts coexist and should be taught together. Acknowledging the latter doesn’t erase the former; it enriches our understanding of the complexities of historical figures.

This selective storytelling is not new. Many of us grew up learning about Washington chopping down a cherry tree and never telling a lie—a story fabricated to portray him as morally flawless. What was left out, however, was the fact that Washington enslaved hundreds of people, profited from their labor, and perpetuated a system that treated human beings as property. Including these truths doesn’t tarnish his legacy; it humanizes it, showing him as a product of his time with flaws and virtues alike.

Chattel Slavery: A Unique Horror

When Maher brushed aside the conversation about slavery by saying it existed globally for thousands of years, he ignored a critical distinction. American chattel slavery was not just about forced labor; it was a system where enslaved people were considered less than human. Their children and grandchildren were automatically born into slavery, creating a generational cycle of dehumanization and exploitation. Comparing this to other historical forms of slavery without acknowledging these differences minimizes the unique and profound horrors of American slavery.

The Role of Media and Independent Thinkers

The responsibility to challenge misleading narratives falls heavily on media figures like Bill Maher, who pride themselves on being independent thinkers. When Musk claimed that children primarily describe Washington as a slave owner, Maher could have asked, "Where did you get that information?" Instead, he nodded, effectively endorsing the claim without evidence.

This pattern is troubling. It allows unverified statements to gain credibility simply because of the platform of the speaker. Independent thinkers and journalists have a duty to question, research, and push back against oversimplifications, especially when discussing history and societal issues. Accepting such statements without scrutiny contributes to the spread of misinformation.

Reclaiming the Narrative

The current backlash against "wokeness" is less about the term itself and more about a resistance to acknowledging uncomfortable truths. Teaching the full story of history, including the injustices and atrocities, doesn’t make one anti-American. On the contrary, it shows a commitment to understanding and improving the nation’s legacy.

To reclaim "woke" is to return to its roots: awareness, empathy, and safety. It’s about being conscious of systemic inequalities and working toward a more just society. It’s about teaching children the full, nuanced history of figures like George Washington, so they grow up with a deeper understanding of their country’s past and its ongoing challenges.

As we navigate these discussions, let us question the sources of information, challenge reductive narratives, and strive for a history that tells the whole story—not just the parts that make us comfortable.