‘Woke’ now belongs to the right. It will need to be prised from their cold, dead hands

The Irish TimesIndependent🔒Progressive6 days ago

The article discusses the evolving perception of 'woke' politics, noting that while the term originated from progressive movements aiming to address social inequality, it has been co-opted by conservatives. It references Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) suggesting that the initial phase of 'woke' activism ('Woke 1.0') was extreme and has since evolved into a more refined approach ('Woke 2.0'). The piece highlights how the term was initially used by Black communities in the 1930s and became prominent during the 2014 Ferguson protests before gaining widespread attention during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Conservatives have repeatedly repurposed the term, often distorting its meaning. The article cites statements from AOC and other analysts who argue that while the early version of 'woke' was overly radical, the movement continues to evolve and adapt.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the evolution of 'woke' as a necessary refinement rather than abandonment, aligning with progressive perspectives. It critiques the conservative co-option of the term and emphasizes the ongoing relevance of progressive values. While it acknowledges past excesses, it positions the