We’ve all had that one, ‘woke’ friend in our friend group—you know, the friend that looks like they’re about to explode when you mention something controversial?
Or watches us like a hawk when they feel like we’re about to do something that doesn’t align to their principles?
Yes, that friend.
Being ‘woke’ implies being aware of social injustices and advocating for equality. But like all good things, there’s a tipping point.
There’s a fine line between being woke and becoming too woke for your own good.
Crossing this line can lead to a sort of self-righteousness, where one’s insights turn into an excuse for condescension or intolerance.
In this article, we’re going to explore 7 brutal signs that someone has crossed that line, becoming too woke for their own good:
1) Unwillingness to listen
One of the first signs that someone might be too woke for their own good is their inability, or outright refusal, to listen to alternative viewpoints.
Being woke should mean being open-minded and willing to learn.
It implies a readiness to understand different perspectives and an eagerness to engage in meaningful conversations.
However, when someone starts shutting out different opinions, or worse, shaming others for their beliefs without even trying to comprehend their perspective, they’re treading on dangerous territory.
This stubbornness can lead to a divisive, us-versus-them mentality that goes against the very essence of being woke—promoting understanding and equality.
2) Condescending attitude
Another red flag that someone may be too woke for their own good is a condescending attitude.
I recall a friend of mine who prided himself on being ‘woke.’
He’d constantly bring up social issues during casual conversations and would look down on those he perceived to be less informed.
One day, we were discussing a recent celebrity scandal.
I shared my opinion, and his immediate response was, “Well, you would think that, wouldn’t you?”
He then proceeded to ‘enlighten’ me with his perspective, completely disregarding my viewpoint.
It was not only disrespectful but also counterproductive.
Instead of encouraging a fruitful discussion, it led to division and frustration.
Being woke should foster understanding and respect for others’ viewpoints, not breed self-righteousness or superiority.
3) Overgeneralization
Another sign to watch out for is the tendency to overgeneralize.
In the quest for social justice, some individuals may inadvertently start seeing the world in black and white, failing to acknowledge the grey areas.
They begin to categorize people based on their social standing, ethnicity, or beliefs, ignoring individual characteristics and experiences.
Take social media platforms, for example.
They have become a breeding ground for overgeneralization.
A single tweet or post can label someone as ‘privileged’ or ‘oppressed’, overlooking their personal stories or complexities.
While being woke aims to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, overgeneralization can inadvertently perpetuate them.
It’s essential to remember that every individual’s experience is unique and deserves recognition in its own right.
4) Virtue signaling
Virtue signaling is another symptom of being too woke.
It involves expressing opinions or doing things merely to showcase one’s moral superiority, rather than out of genuine concern or belief.
For instance, someone might share posts about various social issues on their social media platforms, not because they’re genuinely invested in these causes, but because they want to be perceived as socially conscious.
Being woke, however, isn’t about gaining social points or appearing ‘cool.’
It’s about genuinely understanding and advocating for equality and justice.
If someone frequently displays performative wokeness without any substantial action backing up their words, chances are they might be too woke for their own good.
5) Absolutism
At one point in my life, I found myself so deeply immersed in the world of social justice that I could no longer see the other side of things.
I had developed an absolutist mindset, believing that there was only one right way—the woke way—to view issues.
For example, when a family member expressed a differing opinion on a sensitive issue, I immediately labeled her as part of the problem.
I couldn’t see beyond my perspective, and it led to unnecessary conflicts.
In retrospect, I realize that absolutism doesn’t promote understanding or foster healthy conversations.
Instead, it alienates people and stifles dialogue.
6) Ignoring personal growth
A clear sign that someone may be too woke for their own good is when they refuse to acknowledge the concept of personal growth.
They are quick to condemn others for past mistakes, without considering the possibility of change and improvement.
In their eyes, a misstep in the past forever labels you as ‘problematic’, regardless of your efforts to learn and grow from your mistakes.
They fail to recognize that everyone is on a journey and that people can, and do, change.
Being woke should be about fostering growth, understanding, and forgiveness, not about holding one’s mistakes over someone’s head indefinitely.
7) Lack of self-awareness
The most crucial sign that someone may be too woke for their own good is a lack of self-awareness.
They are quick to call out others, yet fail to analyze their own behavior, beliefs, and actions.
This article from the Medium perfectly describes people being ‘woke’ as the exact opposite; self-awareness and consciousness aren’t final destinations or fixed states to reach.
Being genuinely woke is about constant self-reflection, understanding one’s biases, and striving to be better.
Awakening is an ongoing journey of continuous growth and expansion.
If there’s a lack of introspection and a tendency to place oneself on a pedestal while criticizing others, it’s a clear sign of being too woke for one’s own good.
Final thoughts: It’s all about balance
The core of being woke is rooted in the pursuit of social justice, equality, and empathy. Yet, like any belief system, it can become damaging when pushed to extremes.
Being woke isn’t about achieving perfection, but about striving for progress.
It involves grasping the complexities of societal issues and advocating for change while honoring diverse viewpoints.
In the words of renowned author and activist James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
May we all continue to face and challenge societal injustices without losing sight of our humanity or the respect for others’ experiences and views.
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