The Takeaway
- “Woke” often means being aware of social injustice and inequality.
- It’s not that different from causes many boomers once fought for.
- The key is listening, not lecturing — and finding common ground.
- If tensions have grown, sincere amends can rebuild the bond.
If your grandchild describes themselves as "woke" and you're not sure what that means — or why it sometimes turns into a tense family conversation — you're not alone.
The term "woke" started as a simple way to say someone is awake to social issues like racism, inequality, and injustice. In recent years, it’s become politicized, with critics using it to mock younger people for being "too sensitive" or "too political." But behind the buzzword is something familiar — a passion for fairness and a desire to make the world better.
Sound familiar? It should.
Back in the '60s and '70s, many of today’s seniors were marching in the streets, protesting the Vietnam War, pushing for civil rights, or fighting for women’s equality. Those movements were seen as radical back then, too — even unpatriotic. So when a grandchild speaks up about climate change, gender identity, or systemic racism, they may be walking a path that’s not so different from the one you walked decades ago.
Why the Word “Woke” Sparks Arguments
The generational divide isn’t really about the word. It’s about feeling misunderstood — on both sides.
Grandparents may feel like the world they knew is being dismissed. Grandkids may feel like their values aren’t respected. Add in cable news or social media echo chambers, and suddenly a small difference in opinion can turn into a holiday table standoff.
And anyone who's been in a "woke" discussion can tell you there can be fireworks. Just ask linguist and professor John McWhorter whose written and spoken about the subject.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to agree on everything to have a strong, respectful relationship.
