What's so bad about not having democracy?

[Traitorfish]

Expecting journalists to know things is the very essence of totalitarianism.

 

[hobbsyoyo]

The first time I ever heard of "woke" was when I saw this

It's just something 15 year olds say when they think they're being deep, right?

Yes and no. It's a serious statement in the African American community that is meant as a sort of a long-hand exclamation point to draw attention to an argument.

It's been co-opted by edgy teens and turned into a joke by many people across the political spectrum.

And as is the case with any other new buzzward, it's become a crutch for lazy writers to grab attention from a specific audience.

 

[aelf]

It has nothing whatever do with free speech, as you know full well. Free speech doesn't mean that media outlets are obliged to employ morons to write nonsense.

The idea that free speech means all viewpoints are equally valid is one of the most damaging to the cause of liberal democracy.

 

[Lexicus]

Yes and no. It's a serious statement in the African American community that is meant as a sort of a long-hand exclamation point to draw attention to an argument.

I've always encountered it as a shorthand for someone who knows what's going on.

The idea that free speech means all viewpoints are equally valid is one of the most damaging to the cause of liberal democracy.

You notice that throughout that whole exchange my point was never actually addressed.

 

[warpus]

Yes and no. It's a serious statement in the African American community that is meant as a sort of a long-hand exclamation point to draw attention to an argument.

It's been co-opted by edgy teens and turned into a joke by many people across the political spectrum.

And as is the case with any other new buzzward, it's become a crutch for lazy writers to grab attention from a specific audience.

Ahh, I had no idea it was an African American thing. Saw it on SNL and looked like something Jaden Smith would say, so I guess it works both ways

 

[hobbsyoyo]

Yes, it originated in that community (or was at least co-opted to the point that they owned it) but has since taken on different meanings.

I listened to Spike Lee's interview on Fresh Air (NPR interview show, it's top notch) and they pointed out he has been using the phrase Wake Up! in his movies in the same manner as Woke since the 80's.

 

[warpus]

As if they were making fun of the African American community on SNL though. I didn't think they'd do that, I thought they were just making fun of clueless kids

 

[hobbsyoyo]

I didn't watch the skit but the latter is very likely. Clueless hipsters are a far easier target for mockery than the African American political movement(s).

I'd even go so far as saying they made fun of the phrase precisely because of the co-opting going on by clueless hipsters.

 

[Gori the Grey]

That's exactly right. You must watch it. It's hilarious.