**I just want to preface that this opinion piece is based off my experiences at Northwestern and this by no means can be generalized to everyone at NU. Opinions given are my own. **
*Names have been changed
“I understand that the dress is appropriative, but are you sure I can’t wear it?” Grace* asked me after I already explained to her that her new American Apparel dress was culturally appropriative. She was looking for an affirmative “Yes,” one that allowed her – as a “woke” individual – permission. That is the thing it should not be my job to do the “woke” work for anyone.
I am a queer, Mixed women of color who attends a PWI (Predominantly White Institution) and I am constantly surrounded by “woke” individuals. The term woke has been thrown around so many times that even I refuse to use the term. Essentially, woke means an individual who is aware of current issues and affairs. This individual has a new understanding and perspective on things that they previously thought they knew before. Many students at NU have graciously taken the term and used it it for self-identification, yet there still exists a lack of work or rather action behind their words. I cannot stress enough how exhaustive it is to constantly be surrounded by individuals who are aware of their privilege and know of systems of oppression yet refuse to even acknowledge or put forth “woke” work.
What I mean by “woke work” is completing actions that follow through with the ideologies and values you hold. For example, let’s say you have a friend who says the N-word in your presence and you remain quiet in the moment. You then tell one of your black friend of the incident. How about instead of being passive in that situation you correct your friend in that moment and explain to them why saying the N-word is not appropriate.This small yet impactful action does more then just telling your friend of the incident. Silence and guilt are just as bad as saying the offensive word itself. So make active efforts to not only hold yourself accountable, but others as well. Call out your friends, classmates, acquaintances in all of the bullsh**t they say, but even more so make sure that you are even calling yourself out!
Photo taken from Couples Counseling Chicago