By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)
When conceiving the subject for this post, I considered several other titles that could have communicated the same general message:
- Who Writes Words Like Woke?
- What Does It Mean to be Woke?
- Would You Wager On Words Driven by Wokeness?
- What’s up With a World Gone Woke?
- Woke, Woke, Woke, On Thy Cold Grey Stones, Oh Sea!
Okay, the last suggestion is just me showing off something I read while pursuing my English degree.
Anyway, the word “woke” — and its incorporation as an adjective, as in “woke ideology” — has permeated many conversations in recent months, especially those driven by politicians and media factions that lean (or more accurately propel definitively) toward the right.
A google search for “woke” reveals this definition: “the past of wake.” And, you probably have read or used the phrase, “Awoke from a dream…” So, from one standpoint, the etymology of woke as used here in the second decade of the twenty-first century more than likely did not have its origin based in politics.
Why this grammatical evolution of a simple four-letter word has happened and who was primarily responsible for its origin and successful dissemination and use may make for a fascinating academic thesis or even a dissertation. What’s clear is that we will be exposed to all things “woke” for the immediate or even long-term future. Heck: One can even select from an array of woke t-shirts! Some are available for as little as $12! A prediction: A “woke drinking game” while enjoying a broadcast on Fox News.
Since the word woke has become a staple of modern conversation in the nation, I maintain the right to proclaim and share a word that can be used as a counter balance. It’s illustrated in the image above.
Ekow — pronounced “ECH owe” — can be used when needing a word to describe an anti-woke or backwards-woke situation. It is my intention that this proclamation inspires a robust discussion. But actually, this urban dictionary citation provides another definition of “ekow,” so I won’t claim exclusive ownership.
Assuredly, some who read this post will have a conflicting view; I wholeheartedly support your decision to offer a different opinion, so feel free to comment. I’ll even encourage thoughts that are considered by some as being “woke,” whatever the definition means at the time.
Prdude's Blog 