Would you consider yourself woke? A new definition of the word has swept social media. The term, originally used to describe an educated person who properly understood the world around them, has become demonized. Now, to be woke is to be a nuisance.

This shift in definition no longer nurtures the act of caring. It has been weaponized to demean those brave enough to speak up on injustice. It is meant to silence and shame.

The term woke originates from African American Vernacular English. Its usage really began to pick up traction during the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement around 2013. Staying woke meant that any injustice toward the Black community would not go unnoticed.

As the term really began to circulate, it also began to pique the interest of many conservatives and far-right public figures. Now, instead of saying “stay woke,” phrases such as “never ever surrender to the woke agenda,” are said by Gov. Ron DeSantis in political speeches.

DeSantis took it even further when he endorsed the Florida state legislature with adopting an entire law against woke ideology. Yes, the Stop W.O.K.E Act is a real law that prohibits real educators from teaching certain race-related concepts. The lazy acronym stands for “Wrong to our kids and employees.”

Though technically a slang word, the way woke is being used in everyday speech and political spaces should be a cause for alarm. We must wake up to the reason for its weaponization — no pun intended.

Those who benefit from our inattention hate the act of “staying woke.” Corrupt political leaders and businessmen with unimaginable amounts of wealth do not want us to be awake to witness their corrupt actions. Wokeness stands to threaten the power that they have unjustly gained.

The word’s shift in definition not only alters conversations in the political world, but conversations in our personal lives as well. I’m sure many can relate to hearing someone use a certain phrase or do certain things that irk you, and it just doesn’t feel right. Instead of speaking up, you stay silent in fear of being that one friend that is too woke.

I myself am exhausted of feeling too sensitive, and of being made to feel like what I have to say or what I believe is “doing too much.” It feels like I’m struggling to stay afloat in an infinitely deep pool, while others insist the water is only up to my ankles.

More often than not, everything really is “that deep.” Being woke is not an unnecessary reaction — it is a human one. Certain actions should be condemned, and social structures that work against certain groups of people should be acknowledged and brought down.

Being woke disrupts the status quo. It acknowledges that what people may be doing or saying isn’t right, and can make them feel uncomfortable and shameful. It’s why the word’s new negative connotation has increased in popularity.

It is time we let phrases like “woke-mob” disappear into obscurity. In a way, woke’s weaponization is like a self-inflicted wound. When we promote an ignorance to things that harm us and others, we allow that harm to continue.

Don’t let fear of being too loud silence you. Stay woke out there.