The term "woke" has its roots in African American Vernacular English, originally meaning to be alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass awareness of various social issues. For many, "woke" signifies a positive push towards social consciousness and equality. However, for others, it has become a pejorative term, associated with what they perceive as excessive political correctness or performative activism.
Understanding the "Mind Virus" Concept
To grasp the "mind virus" part, we need to delve into the concept of memes—not just internet jokes, but ideas that spread from person to person within a culture. Richard Dawkins, who coined the term "meme" in 1976, described them as behaving like viruses, replicating and evolving as they spread.
