Talk about it: Words that matter in our lexicon
The Trump administration is currently working to remove what it considers "woke" words from government communications. At the federal level, agencies have flagged hundreds of words to be limited or avoided in official documents. Language is fundamental to how we communicate, and government restrictions on words vital to addressing and understanding each other represents a significant violation of freedom of speech.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech as a fundamental right, preventing government restriction of expression—even when controversial or offensive. This attempt to control language in government documents raises serious constitutional concerns about state-imposed limitations on communication. Such restrictions could significantly impact how government officials interact with the public and address important societal issues.
The existence of a large banned word list at the federal level is deeply concerning and represents one of our primary concerns at Kawaii Riot regarding media censorship and its implications for our American-based initiative. At Kawaii Riot, we champion inclusive language through our terms glossary, which helps people understand one another and promotes intersectional approaches to allyship and advocacy.
We urge our community to learn the meanings of words crucial for self-expression and mutual understanding. Engage in discussions about these attempts to restrict media and literacy. Support traditional media to help preserve stories that might face future censorship. Study the banned book lists and understand their significance. Most importantly, speak out against these broad attempts to restrict media terms and advocacy language.
The Evolution of "Woke" and Its Impact on Political Discourse
The term "woke" has roots deeply embedded in Black American culture, symbolizing an awareness of social injustices. It first gained prominence in Huddie Ledbetter's 1938 song "Scottsboro Boys," where he urged listeners to "stay woke" to the dangers in Alabama. This notion of vigilance became crucial to understanding and confronting racial injustices. Its application is seen in several cultural moments in media, music, and art. Erykah Badu’s 2008 hit "Master Teacher" brought "woke" into contemporary discourse, emphasizing the importance of awareness and action in the face of social injustices. Initially as a call to consciousness within the Black community, "woke" quickly became a symbol of broader social and political activism, especially resonant during the Black Lives Matter movement following the continuous acts of police brutality in America.
However, as "woke" became associated with broader social justice movements, it also attracted backlash. It has been co-opted into political arguments, often disparagingly linked with "cancel culture" and "political correctness." This backlash culminated in legislative efforts like Florida's "Stop W.O.K.E. Act" by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, aiming to limit discussions on race and bias in education—efforts that many (us included) criticize as infringements on free speech and distortions of historical education.
Responding to Political Shifts and Censorship
This politicization of "woke" reflects deeper societal divisions over how racial and social justice issues are discussed and addressed. As conservatives decry "wokeness" as a threat to traditional values, progressives see these attacks as attempts to silence necessary dialogue about America's racial history and current disparities.
In response, we must remain engaged in conversations, especially in terms of how media and terms are censored in education and in government. Learning about the origins and trajectories of terms like "woke" can empower us to better navigate our own understanding of allyship and advocacy to better support the communities we are a part of. We must also support efforts to preserve the integrity of historical and cultural education against censorship attempts.
Let’s continue to advocate for a society where discussions on social justice are informed, respectful, and inclusive. Supporting educators, engaging with diverse media sources, and standing against censorship are all vital steps in this ongoing struggle.As we navigate these turbulent times, remember the power of staying informed and connected. Embrace the rich history that terms like "woke" represent and the ongoing movements they symbolize. By understanding our past and present, we can better advocate for a future where all voices are heard and valued.
At Kawaii Riot, we believe in the strength of community and the transformative power of awareness. Join us in this journey of education and resistance. Together, we can ensure that our narratives—no matter how diverse—are never erased.
Example of the proposed Banned Words:
As President Trump seeks to purge the federal government of “woke” initiatives, agencies have flagged hundreds of words to limit or avoid, according to a compilation of government documents.
Disclaimer: The terms listed reflect those identified at the time of the article as proposed for restriction in government communications. This list may not be comprehensive; additional terms may be added or removed as policies evolve. Please note that the inclusion of any term does not necessarily imply a uniform prohibition across all agencies.
accessible
activism
activists
advocacy
advocate
advocates
affirming care
all-inclusive
allyship
anti-racism
antiracist
assigned at birth
assigned female at birth
assigned male at birth
at risk
barrier
barriers
belong
bias
biased
biased toward
biases
biases towards
biologically female
biologically male
BIPOC
Black
breastfeed + people
breastfeed + person
chestfeed + people
chestfeed + person
clean energy
climate crisis
climate science
commercial sex worker
community diversity
community equity
confirmation bias
cultural competence
cultural differences
cultural heritage
cultural sensitivity
culturally appropriate
culturally responsive
DEI
DEIA
DEIAB
DEIJ
disabilities
disability
discriminated
discrimination
discriminatory
disparity
diverse
diverse backgrounds
diverse communities
diverse community
diverse group
diverse groups
diversified
diversify
diversifying
diversity
enhance the diversity
enhancing diversity
environmental quality
equal opportunity
equality
equitable
equitableness
equity
ethnicity
excluded
exclusion
expression
female
females
feminism
fostering inclusivity
GBV
gender
gender based
gender based violence
gender diversity
gender identity
gender ideology
gender-affirming care
genders
Gulf of Mexico
hate speech
health disparity
health equity
hispanic minority
historically
identity
immigrants
implicit bias
implicit biases
inclusion
inclusive
inclusive leadership
inclusiveness
inclusivity
increase diversity
increase the diversity
indigenous community
inequalities
inequality
inequitable
inequities
inequity
injustice
institutional
intersectional
intersectionality
key groups
key people
key populations
Latinx
LGBT
LGBTQ
marginalize
marginalized
men who have sex with men
mental health
minorities
minority
most risk
MSM
multicultural
Mx
Native American
non-binary
nonbinary
oppression
oppression
oppressive
orientation
people + uterus
people-centered care
person-centered
person-centered care
polarization
political
pollution
pregnant people
pregnant person
pregnant persons
prejudice
privilege
privileges
promote diversity
promoting diversity
pronoun
pronouns
prostitute
race
race and ethnicity
racial
racial diversity
racial identity
racial inequality
racial justice
racially
racism
segregation
sense of belonging
sex
sexual preferences
sexuality
social justice
sociocultural
socioeconomic
status
stereotype
stereotypes
systemic
systemically
they/them
trans
transgender
transsexual
trauma
traumatic
tribal
unconscious bias
underappreciated
underprivileged
underrepresentation
underrepresented
underserved
undervalued
victim
victims
vulnerable populations
women
women and underrepresented
