The "So...Why Did It Take Me So Long to Understand The Meaning Of Woke?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading the "Letters to the editor" column in my local newspaper when I came across a letter that really opened my eyes.  For years I never felt that I understood what the work "woke" really meant.  I finally found an explanation for it!   The explanation in my newspaper came from Mr. Robert Hirsch who was a U.S. Navy Commander (retired) who now lives in nearby Lancaster Township.  He obtained his explanation when he "Googled it".  Now...why didn't I think of that?  Anyway, he begins by saying he hears many Republicans and ultraconservatives using the word "woke" in a disparaging manner, so he did what he always does...Googles it.  He said he found several meanings.  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states: "The meaning of woke is: aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)."  Wikipedia states: "In activism and politics, woke means alert to racial prejudice and discrimination."  Lastly, these are two of the definitions on dictionary.com of "woke" as an adjective: (1) "having or marked by an active awareness of systemic injustices and prejudices, especially those involving the treatment of ethnic, racial, or sexual minorities" and (2) "disparaging ... of or relating to a liberal progressive orthodoxy, especially promoting inclusive policies or ideologies that welcome or embrace ethnic, racial, or sexual minorities."  After reading all of these definitions and many others that were similar, it occurred to me that I am definitely "woke."  If someone is not "woke," I believe they are racist and basically uncaring toward others.  I am not only "woke," but darned proud to be.  I hope that someday everyone in our country will be "woke."  Then our country would truly be great.  So feel free to call me "woke," since I consider it a compliment.  Well, Commander Hirsch...I too feel the same as you do!  And...to think that it took me almost 80 years to know exactly what "woke" REALY means.  I'm so glad you took the time to write your letter to the editor and help all who were struggling with the meaning to understand exactly what it means.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.