What is too woke?

"Too woke" is a contemporary pejorative term used to describe an excessive or overzealous application of social justice principles, often perceived as following an intolerant and moralising ideology. It suggests a deviation from genuine awareness and advocacy into rigid dogmatism, moral grandstanding, or a lack of nuance in addressing complex societal issues.

Understanding the Evolution of "Woke"

The term "woke" originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), meaning "aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues, especially issues of racial and social justice." Over time, it gained broader mainstream use, particularly during the Black Lives Matter movement, signifying an alertness to systemic inequalities and discrimination. However, its widespread adoption also led to its appropriation and, eventually, its use as a pejorative, signifying something quite different.

In its pejorative sense, "woke" implies adherence to an intolerant and moralising ideology. When someone refers to something as "too woke," they are typically critiquing what they perceive as:

• Intolerance of Dissent: A refusal to engage with alternative viewpoints or allow for nuanced discussion, often leading to immediate condemnation of those who express differing opinions.
• Moralising Ideology: An rigid adherence to a specific set of moral or ethical beliefs regarding social issues, often presented as the only correct way to think or act, and used to judge others harshly.
• Exaggerated Sensitivity: An extreme focus on perceived slights, microaggressions, or language deemed offensive, sometimes to the point of stifling open communication or artistic expression.
• Performative Activism: Actions or statements that appear to be more about demonstrating one's own virtue or alignment with "correct" views than about achieving substantive social change.
• Cancellation Culture: The practice of withdrawing support for public figures or companies who have said or done something considered offensive, often leading to severe reputational or professional consequences, even for past actions or minor transgressions.
• Lack of Proportionality: Applying extreme measures or criticisms to situations that, in the eyes of critics, do not warrant such a severe response.

Characteristics of "Too Woke" Critiques

The criticism of something being "too woke" often centers on the idea that an agenda, policy, or cultural phenomenon has gone beyond the bounds of reasonable social progress and entered a realm of perceived overreach or counterproductivity.

Common characteristics identified by critics include:

• Divisiveness: Rather than uniting people against injustice, "too woke" actions or rhetoric are seen as creating new divisions based on identity politics, fostering resentment, and alienating potential allies.
• Dogmatism: A perceived rigid adherence to specific theories or frameworks without room for debate, evolution, or practical application.
• Exclusion: While aiming for inclusivity, "too woke" movements are sometimes criticized for inadvertently excluding or marginalizing those who do not perfectly align with their specific ideology or language.
• Fear of Expression: Creating an environment where people fear expressing honest opinions or asking genuine questions for fear of being labeled, shamed, or "cancelled."
• Overemphasis on Symbolism: Prioritizing symbolic gestures or language changes over tangible, impactful changes to systemic issues.

The Spectrum of "Woke"

It's important to understand that "too woke" is a subjective and often politically charged term. What one person considers a necessary step towards social justice, another might view as an extreme or misguided application of "wokeness." The criticism typically emerges when the pursuit of social justice is perceived to have become self-defeating, authoritarian, or detached from practical realities.

Ultimately, "too woke" reflects a societal tension between advocating for progressive social change and concerns about potential overreach, ideological rigidity, or the consequences of perceived intolerance in that pursuit.