Woke

When an ignorant term is used to justify hatred

"Woke"

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

Woke...

What is it

Let us journey towards the definition of this rhetorical word

Woke is a derisive term used by one whose nature

peddles disinformation, alleges bias while being biased,

and resents everyone opposing their perspective because 

the idea of an honest truthful dialogue is against their beliefs. 

They drape themselves in a veneer of faux patriotism as if 

it were a holy symbol cut from the clothe of a tyrannical 

deity obsequious in their ignorance and hatred 

It is disingenuous in mockery to a mind that strives 

for integrity, equity, and truth based on the fundamental 

ideas of a higher education for all.  

The pernicious term "Woke" is antithetical towards our greater virtues 

as a society and species that yearns to be better generation to generation

It is not "Woke" which allows us to understand the value that "all men

are created equal" or "ask not what your country can do for you 

-- ask what you can do for your country."

Woke is simply an excuse not to want to understand what it takes

to be just a better human being; and to bury your head in the sand

at the suffering of those less fortunate than you because of privilege  

Woke is in opposition to freedom because its very definition maligns 

the innate curiosity to understand the world we are a part of and

the greater society we seek to become

Woke stifles the need to understand all perspectives in an ideological 

viewpoint; only giving relevance to one side of a particular question 

But who decides that side?

Apparently I don't...because I'm woke.

Author's Note

Feel free to comment or troll.

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

beautifully put Carlos. whenever I hear someone derisively use the term woke, I simply retort, "how's it possible to go through life as a somnambulist?" which typically gets the reaction ?? which simply proves my point, when you go through life sleepwalking you simply have no understanding of anything

Ken

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I totally agree with your insightful comment, Ken. I could not have said it any better my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

[Maxwell Ryder]

Your work has spoke(n)
But I think your in
For a wink, pinch
Or even a poke.
Nicely written,
But I wanna say
“Wrote”.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Maxwell. This was a bit of a fun write and satirical view on a much over used term in today's vernacular via the internet. It is so tediously over used. And used as a shield to justify one's incurious nature. Thank you again for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Excellent. I find it difficult to write politically as it is hard to keep the emotion out but you have done so and done it well. Thank you for this brilliant explanation.
Winston

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Winston, for your comment on this piece. To some it may straddle between condescending or pretentious. But I simply see it as the value of education and our fundamental nature to be curious of the world we live in. Without that innate quality we would still be living in caves and grunting at one another. We would lack the curiosity to dream of the greater universe and realize the art within us. The achievements we have realized were reached because we dare to dream. Woke is the mind that wants to "Know thyself". To know our nature in the cosmos of all things. Innovation does not suddenly come into existence without the mind realizing its potential. I envy those that are capable of dreaming better than I. Thank you again my friend.

[keith]

i'm trolling
i'm trolling
i'm trolling
lalalalalalalalala ... la!

color me WOKE amigo!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Keith. I appreciate it my friend. It is absolutely crazy how much a single nonsensical word has so much power to divide a country that prides itself on it diverse thought and ideologies. It is only as powerful a word as we allow. Thank you again my friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

WOK is a kind of autocratic behavior, a man like TRUMP who only cares about himself, doesn't give a damn about the less fortunate; has no understanding of reality; in his own unrealistic world; opposes freedom t to keep because he wants to keep the reigns.; has no empathy; sort of a sociopath; they don't care about the good of the country, only themselves.
Best, B

[Betty Hermelee]

Are you kidding??? Well, each to his own...no politics here! best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

This is not what I had hoped to spark in the writing of this piece. Art encompasses all points of view and by nature reflects who we are as a species. At its heart it is subjective and should always be so because we are selves are a myriad of variety and cultures. Despite these differences though art is a unifying force which allows us to have and start those difficult discussions we need to have as a society. In quite a bit of my work I strive to create that which is a starting point. A beginning to these hard conversations we so often are dismissive towards. I come from a bias that reflects my upbringing, culture, and social class. Yet I yearn to try to understand others in their own perspective so that I may empathize with them and find common ground on the issues which divide us. Art is that bridge. To understand love, humanity, hate, rage, in all the societal norms and abnormalities that infect our thoughts and define our behavior or lack there of. Art should always allow us to speak freely without persecution regardless of differences. If we can not find a common ground despite differing opinions than why bother to recreate and aspire towards our better humanity. If my words have only produced silence and ended discussions than I have failed as the artist. Art is subjective because it reflects who we are individually and all the iniquity and empathy that define us. We may not always find agreement but it doesn't mean we should never stop to listen and understand one another. And especially respect each others opinions even if they differ from our own. To me it's all about the conversation, not the silence. Because it is in the silence that art truly dies. Thank you both for sharing your much valued thoughts to me, and I truly apologize if this piece has caused any issues. It was not my intent. CLE

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

I’ve removed my comment that I think Trump good sorry I didn’t mean to cause a stir !
I respect your wishes and poem
Sorry I was out of line

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You do not need to apologize at all. I respect your thoughts and admire the convictions from which you speak. I'm not here to judge nor belittle anyone for their opinions. I only wish to understand both them and their voice, from which their art is created from. I wrote this only to start a conversation in hopes to understand those of differing opinions then my own. It may come off as a bit sarcastic and condescending in its ending but I felt it has the possibility of being a conversation starter. Not a stopper. I would be a total hypocrite if I condemned you and your voice. I respect and admire it. Because it's not easy speaking from the heart these days. On either side. So thank you I really do appreciate it and you for your truth and the art from which you share it.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks I liked your poem and respect it

[Betty Hermelee]

I respect your poem completely... just trying to interpret what I fee when reading it...each to his own opinion....that's the beauty of poetry...no wrong or right....
Best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you B for your sharing your thoughts on this poem. I so respect and admire your voice, and I would be a lier if I didn't admit my social and political leanings didn't align more with yours in all honesty. One need only read some of my past poetry to see I tend to be more liberal in my views. My evolution started in my mid 20s after going through the Reagan era into the Clinton. Culturally Hispanics tend to be more conservative because of their religious values, much of which is developed at a younger age. But as I grew older I thought less about my needs and more about society as a whole and the kind of world I would like to live in that is beneficial to all. Plus some of the difficult circumstances I lived through as a child being raised by a divorced mother and for a time living on food stamps. There was such a profound shame and one I felt unwarranted. It was awful and abhorrent the way women in need were treated back then in our society and the remnants of it continues to this day. Hyperbole and political rhetoric has only gotten worse since then and instead of finding solutions for these ills that plague us we instead use excuses to prolong the misery. Some use political catch phrases like Marxism or communism instead of knowing the full contextual history of these words and how they pertain to our society and ways of life. Glossing over the fact we live under in a social capitalistic system. Nativisism and national populism has only made the divide more rigid. We can't get our own house in order until we resolve the issues of our past which have been allowed to fester. Sliding backwards in removing rights is not a viable and sustainable solution. Because in doing so those that rail against fascism fail to recognize their slip into it by the loss of these freedoms. A voice like yours is needed more in times like this, B. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I truly appreciate it and am grateful for your friendship.

[Betty Hermelee]

We change our views with the wind!!! and... we must resolve our issues of the past as well...I always appreciate your philosophizing... it takes a special talent!
Best, B

[Temperance]

You have described woke-ism very well....at least the way I understand it to be. Not a fan of the term nor, of those who perpetuate the behavior of it. If they only knew the truth of what they promote; Marxism, Socialism and Communism. Very thought provoking piece. Nicely done, Mr. C. Thank you, Temp

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Temp for taking the time to respond to this piece. As I have noticed in my discussion with Laz in the comment below these social issues need a platform to begin the difficult conversations we must have as human beings. For far too long we have ignored them and allowed these disagreements to fester below the surface and veneer of normalization. Not talking about race, social equity, and gender equality only widens the divide where the hate finds purchase and a place to manifest. We may not always agree on things because we all come from different perspectives and have our own inherent biases. But we must show a semblance of compassion and understanding towards one another despite these differences because in the end we are all human. Which make us more alike than different. It's in art where we can find common ground and interests that unite us. Where we can reach across to someone different than us and actually listen to them with empathy and not indifference to their suffering. Caring about things doesn't mean you're woke, it means you're human and love. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and keep on writing your art.

[Temperance]

You are welcome and, I agree with what you are saying about all of us being human beings.

[Laz K.]

There are strong emotions at work here - the frustration is palpable in these lines. "Wokism is a mind virus," say those that are on the other side of this latest of dividing lines that separate humanity along - perhaps artificially created - differences. It might also be a generational difference, as well as a cultural one. Interestingly, wokism - a militant leftist ideology - is very popular among privileged college students in the west that never experienced the effects of socialism. Stalin - or Hitler - would be proud of the "great work" these Marxist/fascist youths are doing in the name of the "greater good."

Sorry, I'm going on a rant...your writing is very good as it touches a sensitive nerv, and reflects on something of the absurd in our day and age.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Laz for sharing your thoughts on this piece of writing. As a writer it means a lot to hear such insight from the audience who have taken the time to read and respond on the work. It is how difficult conversations we as a society and species need to begin and start. Instead of talking over one another we need actual communication. Even amongst each other as artists. Because we are the example we yearn to set for each generation. The talk begins with us. As does the art which reflects it. I admire the passion that you speak with because it comes from your experience and perspective defined by life and culture. I only know my own and they are biased by my upbringing and social standing. But the character of a man is not defined by the arguments of dispute they seek to win, but his willingness to listen openly and objectively to another's experience which differs from their own. At times words can coerce our worst impulses and touch upon harsh convictions we ourselves have difficulty suppressing. The line between truth and propaganda is thin, and only measured by the intentions of one's heart. Thus the powerful meaning of such statements as Know thyself and To your heart be true. Their significance are relevant to any discussion pertaining to societal beliefs and moral integrity. Sometimes to win an argument one need only listen and empathize. Thank you so much again for sharing your thoughts with me.

[Laz K.]

It's a pleasure talking with you, even if it's only like this. I agree with what you said, and your level-headed approach to sensitive issues is admirable.

[Stella Armour]

I hate this term "Woke".
It suddenly appeared from nowhere , is meaningless and an affront to intelligent people.
Thank you for posting this explanatory poem ....

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You are very welcome Stella, and I share your thoughts on this divisive ignorant word. Which I feel is meant to end discussions we need to have as a society rather than work to be better towards one another. It has no other purpose other than to continue to hate ignorantly.

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

When you awaken to the truth of this fleshly form we inhabit we have woken and grown and we come to see that this was actually a journey of self and an awakening to truth.....

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you for sharing your comment with me. I really appreciate it.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[Fabian G. Franklin]

The term always implied to me that someone must have been sleeping for quite a while. "But alert and healthy natures remember that the sun rose clear." Henry David Thoreau

I'm just an observer, always watching, always learning, a student of life and a lover of books and words, scribbling my poetry and sharing bits of my heart, mind and soul. Of course, there are those who'd try to take it all by force but storming the gates of heaven didn't work out so well for Lucifer as I remember. I enjoyed this witty bit of social commentary and satire. Blessings of peace, love and light, F.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Fabian. I had fun and a bit of a laugh writing this satirical piece. It reminded me of all the years it took to get to this place in time. The evolution of our society from the late 60's to the now. How cyclical history is. How we haven't really improved our civility towards each other. We've only found different ways to call one another A-holes. It's times like this I miss George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Thank you so kindly again my friend.