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Thames’s comments were interpreted by many as a dismissive critique of the show's diversity efforts, framing it as part of a larger cultural push often labeled as "woke" in contemporary discourse.
The Cultural Meaning of “Woke” and Its Use as a Pejorative
The term "woke" has undergone a significant cultural transformation over the past decade. Originally rooted in African American communities, it referred to being socially aware of injustices, prejudices, and systemic inequalities. However, in recent years, it has been co-opted by some as a pejorative term, associated with political correctness, virtue signaling, or imposed diversity agendas.