General Discussion
Showing Original Post only (View all)What is "woke," and why do Republicans hate it so much? [View all]
"Woke" is a black slang term for awake or aware. Awake to the legacy of slavery. Aware of the lies about blacks and immigrants being lazy and criminals. Awake to the suffering of poverty. Aware of the unfairness of the American justice system. Awake to the violence of some police towards blacks. Awake to the stupidity and waste of war. Aware that climate change is real. Awake to the suffering of others. Aware that non-Christians and gays can be wonderful people and great neighbors.
As a Buddhist, I find "woke" to be quite ironic, because every Buddhist aspires to become awakened, to become enlightened. Everyday, I begin my meditation practice with taking refuge in the 3 jewels and clearly stating my greatest aspiration:
I take refuge in the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha.
I aspire to become a completely and perfectly enlightened Buddha.
So yes I don't get insulted, when a RWNJ labels me "woke." Unbeknownst to them, it's a compliment. Although from my perspective, I'm a long long way from being enlightened. Probably many eons before I get there.
The hard part about being a Buddhist is having compassion for all sentient beings, yes even the hateful and selfish RWNJs, because they don't know any better. They are unaware of how much suffering they bring into the world. Having compassion for ALL sentient beings, yes even RWNJs, is the ultimate in wokeness.