Shouldn’t Woke Go Farther?

The word woke has made its way into mainstream use over the past few years (Photo: Shutterstock)

The rise of and the stupidity of the Woke movement

Recently I came across an article in the New York Post outlining what is egregiously wrong about a few Classic Christmas films including It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, and The Santa Claus Woke wannabe critics are canceling classic Christmas movies (nypost.com). Now I don’t want to give a critic’s opinion on any or all of these films, so I’ll leave their merits to you. But, this did get me thinking about the rise of and the stupidity of the Woke movement. And unless you might think me some rabid, elderly, right wing fanatic that thinks that our history is filled with saints unblemished by sin of any kind, please know that history is an avocation of mine and I am fully aware of the foibles of humans throughout history and think that we might learn something from both the flaws and the strengths of those who shaped history for good and bad.

Having said that, I am convinced that there is no level beneath which the Woke and Thought Police cannot go. Therefore, I thought I might offer them a few suggestions about Christmas that need revision or outright expulsion.

First, how about the Christmas tree? IF Jimmy Stewart is misogynistic in It’s a Wonderful Life, how about the tree itself? Surely, upon close examination one could easily see that its very shape is phallic and an insult to any and all females forced to decorate it or open a present under it. Ban it immediately and replace it with something gender neutral or outright hostile to males. Several things come to mind, but I’ll let you add your own and submit them to the office of Chief Woke Compliance Officer.

Second, what about the word Christmas itself? We’ve almost stamped it out by being insulted should anyone have the temerity to wish us a “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” but we should not be having a time of celebration honoring a (gasp) male. After all, claims for divinity aside, all He did was advocate love for each other, even, and especially, our enemies. And perhaps even worse, He advocated forgiving those who have offended us. We have to get rid of such attitudes… what if getting along with others became a habit? What if forgiving insults became the norm? We could be in danger of losing our propensity for self-pity and spirit of offense.

Third, what about this Santa guy? We know he spies on children year around, even knowing when they are awake or sleeping. And who is he to determine if my little angel is naughty or nice? Shouldn’t that be for parents to determine themselves? And what about spousal abuse? Where so does Ms. Claus get any credit? Maybe she is held prisoner at the North Pole? Are there any shelters up there for her refuge? Do police respond to domestic disputes at the North Pole? Or does this Santa guy have free rein to dominate Ms. Claus as he sees fit? And what about those elves? Are they paid minimum wage? Can they organize? Are they illegal immigrants kept in slavery? I’m suggesting we drop this guy all together and replace him with a progressive image the likes of some of our elected officials.

Now that my satire is vented for the moment, I want to make it clear that I am fully aware of the fact that there are inequities in our present day that include, but not limited to, women’s rights, immigration reform, living wage, a healing of the divisions that plague our public and private discourse, and a modicum of human dignity for all.

As I wrote above, I was also aware of the foibles of many (if not all) of the greats and ordinary members of history. But shouldn’t we give some attention to the fact that people are sometimes terribly human and prone to make mistakes either intentionally or as a product of their times? I hope that history can be taught with warts and all and that one day soon we can look at things with understanding and humor while striving for change.

Merry Christmas to you all.