If calling me woke means I am kind, considerate, empathetic, open-minded, and caring about humanity, then go ahead and call me woke. I am proud to be so labeled.
Absolutely agree with this powerful statement. The word “woke” has been completely distorted by those who are uncomfortable with the progress of equity and inclusion. Originally a call to awareness—especially in the context of racial injustice—“stay woke” meant staying vigilant, informed, and empathetic to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. But now, it's being weaponized to stoke fear, resentment, and division.
When politicians and public figures use “woke” as an insult, they’re not just dismissing progressive ideals—they're encouraging hate and fear. It becomes a coded way of saying, “those people are a threat to your way of life,” playing directly into the hands of those who fear losing their unearned privilege. It distracts from real issues by manufacturing outrage over inclusion—whether it’s about gender identity, race, or cultural diversity.
This is deeply connected to systemic racism. Systemic racism isn’t just about personal prejudice; it's about institutions, laws, and societal norms that have historically benefited one group at the expense of others. Whether it’s disparities in policing, housing, education, employment, or healthcare, the system was built in a way that privileges some while oppressing others. And when people begin to challenge those systems—when marginalized voices demand fairness—those in power sometimes push back hard, not because the demands are unjust, but because true equality threatens their control.
By branding inclusion as “woke ideology,” certain politicians fuel bigotry under the guise of protecting tradition or common sense. They inflame racial and cultural tensions to gain support, knowing that fear is an effective political tool. But the real cost, as you said, is our compassion, our unity, and our moral compass as a society.
Human dignity should never be controversial. And inclusion isn’t an attack—it’s an invitation to build something better together. When people mock “woke,” they’re often mocking the idea that everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.
Thank you to both you and Arlene for putting it so eloquently, this is exactly the Canada I want to see. I’m sure we’re going to have lots of growing pains moving forward as we still have a long ways to go but I think a lot of Canadians would prefer being woke to the alternative. And no doubt each and everyone of us have growth and change to experience, and we’re always going to have disparities but if we keep moving forward and adding strength to these ideas and beliefs what a beautiful Canada we can create. I’m nowhere near as eloquent as you two are but my heart does embrace the idea of a country where all human beings are treated with dignity and respect as all people bring value to our world.
Thanks for writing this. I'll flip this article over to the PP campaign as he seems to be having trouble defining 'Woke' when asked. I just need to find the best rhyme word to go with it so he can use a new slogan?
It's true PP is appealing to the 'rear-view' mirror crowd with these slogans and he himself has stated he hasn't changed his mind in 20 years. Oh dear ... hopefully no one tells him about AI.
Thank you. You've put in words what I've been thinking and feeling. I can't get my head around anti-woke. In my mind it's a declaration of not caring, recognizing or even considering others.
We learn through diversity, seeing different expressions, often of our own values. To me, the the anti-woke movement is simply about building support for personal denial.
I'm so grateful for the relevant posts you have been sharing with us. Incredibly well said, balanced and instructive. It’s time for women leaders such as yourself to lift us all. Namaste!
Well said. When politicians rail against something as woke, it is often intended to strip it of complexity and nuance. It is easier to manipulate voters if you can create a false dichotomy and tell people they are either for or against it. But that approach insults the intelligence and humanity of the electorate. I truly don't believe Canadians are afraid of complexity or insensitive to nuance within their community and, as such, they deserve to have repesentatives who are willing to acknowledge and wrestle with complex issues. Anything less is cowardly and lazy, two words that are as un-Canadian as you get.
If calling me woke means I am kind, considerate, empathetic, open-minded, and caring about humanity, then go ahead and call me woke. I am proud to be so labeled.
Read this on LInkedIn. Agree totally. Why pick on anyone? Why judge? Human dignity. Love. Acceptance. We teach this in school. Then people forget it.
Absolutely agree with this powerful statement. The word “woke” has been completely distorted by those who are uncomfortable with the progress of equity and inclusion. Originally a call to awareness—especially in the context of racial injustice—“stay woke” meant staying vigilant, informed, and empathetic to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. But now, it's being weaponized to stoke fear, resentment, and division.
When politicians and public figures use “woke” as an insult, they’re not just dismissing progressive ideals—they're encouraging hate and fear. It becomes a coded way of saying, “those people are a threat to your way of life,” playing directly into the hands of those who fear losing their unearned privilege. It distracts from real issues by manufacturing outrage over inclusion—whether it’s about gender identity, race, or cultural diversity.
This is deeply connected to systemic racism. Systemic racism isn’t just about personal prejudice; it's about institutions, laws, and societal norms that have historically benefited one group at the expense of others. Whether it’s disparities in policing, housing, education, employment, or healthcare, the system was built in a way that privileges some while oppressing others. And when people begin to challenge those systems—when marginalized voices demand fairness—those in power sometimes push back hard, not because the demands are unjust, but because true equality threatens their control.
By branding inclusion as “woke ideology,” certain politicians fuel bigotry under the guise of protecting tradition or common sense. They inflame racial and cultural tensions to gain support, knowing that fear is an effective political tool. But the real cost, as you said, is our compassion, our unity, and our moral compass as a society.
Human dignity should never be controversial. And inclusion isn’t an attack—it’s an invitation to build something better together. When people mock “woke,” they’re often mocking the idea that everyone deserves to live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.
Thank you to both you and Arlene for putting it so eloquently, this is exactly the Canada I want to see. I’m sure we’re going to have lots of growing pains moving forward as we still have a long ways to go but I think a lot of Canadians would prefer being woke to the alternative. And no doubt each and everyone of us have growth and change to experience, and we’re always going to have disparities but if we keep moving forward and adding strength to these ideas and beliefs what a beautiful Canada we can create. I’m nowhere near as eloquent as you two are but my heart does embrace the idea of a country where all human beings are treated with dignity and respect as all people bring value to our world.
Bang on! Thank you, Arlene.
THANK YOU so much Arlene for starting this conversation!! Using “woke” as an (intended) insult reveals so much about the person who uses it that way.
I have an old tattered T-shirt that I will never toss that says “you are who you stand with”.
I will proudly stand with anyone who is staying “woke” as I try myself to be!
Thanks for writing this. I'll flip this article over to the PP campaign as he seems to be having trouble defining 'Woke' when asked. I just need to find the best rhyme word to go with it so he can use a new slogan?
It's true PP is appealing to the 'rear-view' mirror crowd with these slogans and he himself has stated he hasn't changed his mind in 20 years. Oh dear ... hopefully no one tells him about AI.
Poke? Folk?
Tole ? He’s toking on something strange.
Thank you. You've put in words what I've been thinking and feeling. I can't get my head around anti-woke. In my mind it's a declaration of not caring, recognizing or even considering others.
We learn through diversity, seeing different expressions, often of our own values. To me, the the anti-woke movement is simply about building support for personal denial.
I'm so grateful for the relevant posts you have been sharing with us. Incredibly well said, balanced and instructive. It’s time for women leaders such as yourself to lift us all. Namaste!
Very well put essay. Makes me wonder how you tolerated Kevin O’Leary for all those years 😄
"...trying to push the world back to what they remember." that has to be an incomplete statement , or lazy, or just ignorant of the broader truth.
Well said. When politicians rail against something as woke, it is often intended to strip it of complexity and nuance. It is easier to manipulate voters if you can create a false dichotomy and tell people they are either for or against it. But that approach insults the intelligence and humanity of the electorate. I truly don't believe Canadians are afraid of complexity or insensitive to nuance within their community and, as such, they deserve to have repesentatives who are willing to acknowledge and wrestle with complex issues. Anything less is cowardly and lazy, two words that are as un-Canadian as you get.
I personally have appropriated the term « woke » (minus the sneer) as a compliment. And I think we « woke » people should embrace the term.
I am woke and proud of it. I stand for dignity and respect for all, no exceptions.
Lots in here to genuinely guide self reflection:)
https://darcymcneil.substack.com/p/the-real-political-enemy-is-the-shadow?r=14ah5q&utm_medium=ios
Well expressed. Thank you, Arlene! I’m proud to be called ‘woke’.
Agreed.