Woke Culture Meaning & History
Should sensitivity training be considered WOKE?
Unless you have been living without a connection to news, social media, or person-to-person conversations, you have probably run up against the term “WOKE!” Just as “LOL” became a part of our everyday language, it seems the term is here to stay. How you use it will vary.
By Kevin James Saunders, Global Learning & Support
Last Updated On March 19, 2025
This article was written by a human.
Depending on your perception, “WOKE” could be good or bad. There are two general camps of thought. Camp one will look at being woke as a positive, meaning learning, openness to others, empathy, and the ability to listen. For others, the term is a negative label describing something that could be perceived as “too liberal” or excessively concerned with social justice issues, political correctness, or progressive values. The phrase often criticizes perceived overreactions or emphasizes inclusivity and awareness around race, gender, and identity.
Definition
Let’s delve into the linguistic jungle and unearth the origin of this creature we call ‘WOKE.’ The term originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and was initially used to describe social awareness of various injustices, particularly those related to race. It was a call to be awake to the struggles and challenges faced by marginalized communities—a powerful message that should inspire awareness and empathy.
However, as the term became mainstream culture (think TikTok dances and coffee shop conversations), it started gathering some negativity. “Woke” became a label, morphing into a wave of finger-pointing, distrust, and fear. The focus shifted from awareness and understanding to a less-than-helpful game of dodgeball, where companies caught in the crossfire were left scrambling to find a middle ground in a land of political landmines.
25 topics Considered
You don’t have to look further than your favourite social media app to hear the term used. Here’s a list of 21 topics often considered “woke.”
- Racial equality and justice
- Gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights
- Systemic racism and anti-racism initiatives
- Environmental justice and climate change
- Intersectionality and its impact on social issues
- Inclusivity in language and communication
- Mental health awareness and stigma reduction
- Economic inequality and workers’ rights
- Police reform and accountability
- Indigenous rights and sovereignty
- Disability rights and accessibility
- Body positivity and acceptance
- Feminism and women’s rights
- Immigration reform and refugee support
- Representation in media and entertainment
- Political correctness and its implications
- Child welfare and protection
- Anti-bullying and sexual harassment
- Community support, mutual aid, advocacy for social safety nets (like healthcare and education)
- Ethical consumerism, corporate responsibility, digital privacy, and data rights
- Historical revisionism and education on marginalized histories
These topics often spark discussions and debates around awareness, inclusivity, and social justice. Embracing these discussions and fostering open dialogue is crucial in creating a workplace culture that values empathy and understanding.
What's the alternative?
Those who complain about and resist wokeness often do so due to biases they hold and wish to maintain. Privately, individuals can have whatever biases they want (though we believe it’s important to work on them); however, within a community, some laws and policies guide how we should function as a society. But what if those guidelines didn’t exist? What would the alternative be?
- Should we have the right to discriminate against, attack, and restrict anyone we deem ‘unworthy’?
- Should we violate others’ rights to uphold our beliefs?
- Should we impose our belief system on others, insisting, “There should only be one path!”?
When does it end? What will the limit be? A war of words? Silence? Violence? Death?
Whether you appreciate the Bible, the Declaration of Independence, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or your corporate policy, we must remember that we are all equal. People deserve to exist and to do so comfortably. Being happy shouldn’t be challenging.
Can you be too woke?
Self-Reflection
Some anti-woke people argue that the emphasis on being woke can swing too far, leading to what they perceive as overreach or excessive political correctness. Critics of “too woke” often suggest that it can result in cancel culture, where individuals face backlash for statements or inappropriate actions.
Let’s consider a scenario. Sandeep is sporting merchandise from musician and rapper Ye. Edith accuses Sandeep of racism because he supports an allegedly antisemitic company. But in reality, Sandeep just liked the shoes. It’s a classic case of misunderstanding, and it happens more often than we think.
A strict approach may be argumentative, aggressive, or embarrassing, resulting in a highly emotional response. This can create an environment where people must constantly tread carefully, stifling honest conversation and debate. They may feel that the strict adherence to wokeness can lead to a lack of tolerance for differing viewpoints, which can be counterproductive to fostering understanding and empathy.
Sandeep was shocked that Edith called him a racist. The conversation was received as a personal attack.
Mistakes and disagreements will happen. In our increasingly polarized society, it is crucial to foster an environment where teaching, forgiveness, and respectful engagement can thrive, even among those with differing viewpoints.
However, an overly rigid adherence to wokeness can create barriers rather than break them down. If we become so entrenched in our perspectives that we can’t entertain other viewpoints, we risk shutting down meaningful dialogue. This mindset can lead to an atmosphere where dissenting opinions are seen as threats, stifling open conversations and mutual respect. Flexibility and tolerance are key in navigating these complex conversations.
It’s about finding a constructive way to engage in these conversations without alienating others or shutting down differing opinions. Balancing awareness with empathy and open-mindedness is key. When we approach conversations with a willingness to listen and understand, we often discover commonalities that can bridge divides. Finding this common ground is essential; it allows us to connect on a human level, promoting understanding and empathy.
Sandeep and Edith are both fashion-forward individuals who enjoy shopping. They share many interests.
Sensitivity Training: The Unsung Hero
Positive intent and openness
Now, here’s where sensitivity training comes into play. This isn’t about forcing employees to attend cringe-worthy workshops led by that one overly enthusiastic HR person who insists on using the word “synergy” five times a minute (we see you, Karen). It’s about fostering an environment where ALL employees feel respected, valued, and heard.
Imagine walking into an office where everyone knows how to communicate effectively. Instead of passive-aggressive emails, you have employees openly discussing their ideas and conflicts while acknowledging each other’s experiences. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s the power of respect and empathy in the workplace! Sensitivity training provides the tools for that dream to become a reality.
Sensitivity training is not WOKE. In fact, it’s a vital ingredient in the corporate recipe for success. It is a powerhouse of workplace engagement, communication, and, ultimately, a sense of belonging that every organization desperately needs. It’s a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a more respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
The Steel Wall of Respect
Top 5 Service Concepts
Let’s not kid ourselves; treating people with respect is like building a steel wall of support. The occasional brick may slip out of place, but overall, the structure holds strong. In a respectful environment, employees are willing to learn and grow together. They share ideas without fear of ridicule and collaborate in ways that can lead to innovative solutions. This sense of security and value is what respect brings to the workplace.
A successful workplace isn’t simply about revenue numbers or fancy titles. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels they belong, where diversity isn’t just skin-deep, and where the conversations are more than just about who’s bringing donuts on Friday. It’s about fostering a culture of empathy, communication, and growth. These elements are the threads that weave us together, making us feel connected and understood in the workplace.
Five Examples of Why Sensitivity Training Is Essential
Practical Training
Is sensitivity training too “PC” and not needed within your organization? It’s more practical than you think. Here are some behaviors that sensitivity training can help address:
The Sexual Predator
Fred enjoys telling crude jokes, showing off his muscles, and boasting about his manhood. He believes everyone appreciates his sexual humor, while only the "snowflakes" are offended by it.
The Racist
When angry, Poppy has been known to use the "n-word" when referring to people of color. She believes that since they can use the word, she should also be able to. What's the big deal?
The Bully
Sam enjoys embarrassing people in meetings. It's common for someone to be upset or to leave in tears. Yelling, swearing, and belittling are commonplace. Sam believes you should find another job if you don't like it here.
The Macho
Shamus believes that women should be in traditional roles, explicitly stating that they belong in the kitchen, "barefoot and pregnant." He mentions that he does not intend to promote women to positions that he feels they might be too emotional for. He asserts that he will not change his views, as he believes men should uphold traditional masculine roles and rejects the idea of a "woke agenda."
The Homophob
Danielle believes that gay people are disgusting. She frequently posts online about her views, insisting that marriage should only be between a man and a woman and expressing a desire to burn all rainbow flags. She even came to work wearing a t-shirt that proclaimed LGBT people will burn in hell. "Freedom of speech, right?" she said.
Putting personal values aside, we can all agree that the individuals highlighted in the polarizing examples will not contribute to a harmonious organization focused on success. Instead, they will create stress, conflict, and division, ultimately impacting your revenue. Sensitivity training establishes the tone and expectations for team members. This isn’t about being overly politically correct; it’s about fostering honesty and openness among team members.
Getting Beyond the Labels
Think about your approach
The crux of the matter is that respect and inclusion transcend any political labels or cultural jargon. Sensitivity training isn’t about being “WOKE”; it’s about understanding that we’re all living and working in this tangled web of humanity. It’s about recognizing that everyone comes to the table with their unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It’s about building bridges instead of walls. We spend so much time at work, why wouldn’t we want to make it as inviting as possible (for team members and ourselves)?
Let’s prioritize sensitivity training, not as a checklist item to appease a board member or as a social media post to put in the company’s highlight reel. Let’s embrace it as the backbone of our corporate culture—a culture where everyone feels they can be themselves without fear of rejection or judgment.
Ultimately, if we can create an environment that champions respect, engagement, and empathy, we’ll have happier employees and a flourishing workplace.
And who knows? Maybe that’s the true essence of being “woke.”
So, raise your coffee mug high (the one that says “I survived another Monday” if you have it), and here’s to a future where sensitivity and respect take center stage in every workplace. Cheers!
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