My Journey Into Being Woke: 10 Critical Race Student's Final Exam Responses

 

Student 1

My journey to becoming woke is a story filled with internal conflict, a racial tug-of-
war on who I am as a person. Born to my white mother and black father I never really
had a sense of who I was racially. I spent the majority of my childhood bouncing from
house to house as a result of poor money and even worse money management. My
parents split when I was very young, setting the racial tug-of-war into motion. From
the moment my parents split I began to spend the week with my mom in various
homes in suburban neighborhoods and the weekends with my father in his childhood
home, smack dab in the middle of the ghetto. Things only became more complicated
when I enrolled in a private school education. I would spend the weekend with my
father, playing with my black friends in the neighborhood and learning about their
lifestyles in the process. Then I would go back to my mom’s and be surrounded by my
white friends and teachers, sticking out like a sore thumb. I was perplexed about who
I was supposed to be. At school, I didn’t see anyone like me; at home, I was seen as
stuck up and rich. Those same kids I used to play with while at my father’s began to
resent me, they called me things like “Uncle Tom” or “Whitewashed”. I didn’t feel
like I belonged anywhere, I felt rejected from both communities. Too stuck up to be black, and tainted so I couldn’t be white. I began to slip in my schoolwork as a result of the depression I was falling into, instead of teachers reaching out and asking how I
was doing, they assumed that I was just another troubled black kid destined to live a
life of violence.

 

Student 2

My journey into becoming "woke" has been characterized by a commitment to
education, empathy, and advocacy. I have learned to question dominant narratives,
challenge oppressive systems, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
Through conversations, research, and self-reflection, I have come to understand that
there is more than one truth—that truth is often subjective and shaped by individual
experiences, perspectives, and biases.
Becoming "woke" is not just about awareness; it is about taking action to dismantle
systems of oppression and create a more just and equitable society. It requires
continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning, as well as a willingness to confront discomfort and uncertainty. As I continue on this journey, I am committed to using my voice and privilege to advocate for change, to stand in solidarity with
marginalized communities, and to strive towards a more inclusive and compassionate
world for all.
In essence, being "woke" is not a destination but a lifelong process of growth and
transformation—a journey towards greater understanding, empathy, and justice. And as I embark on this journey, I am reminded of the words of Professor Coates: "The danger lies in being unaware." May we all strive to be aware, to be conscious, and to be agents of positive change in the world.
Garvey's quote, "A people without the knowledge of their history, origin, and culture
is like a tree without roots," further amplifies the significance of this journey. It
underscores the importance of reclaiming and honoring our collective histories, as
they provide the foundation upon which we build our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Just as a tree draws nourishment from its roots, so too do we
draw strength and resilience from our cultural heritage and shared experiences. By
embracing our history and remaining vigilant in our pursuit of justice and equality, we ensure that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and empathy needed to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

Student 3:

  To conclude and reflect on the multitude of things I've written, been tested on,
discussed about. I find myself not only more informed on the topics that we have
discussed but I have transformed. The extensive readings provided for by Mr. Coates, class discussions, and assignments This class has wholeheartedly reshaped my
understanding of systemic injustices and historical contexts that shape the. Through music as a form of resistance and empowerment, as discussed in Week 11, I grasp that there are lots of multimedia outlets of cultural expression in challenging systemic disparities. Through this course it has heightened my awareness and sensitivity of issues like race, privilege, and the ongoing battle for justice. Engaging with narratives like Coates writing around microaggression and othering, it has stuck with me.
Learning about it from a perspective that isn’t only about my own experiences, but
everyone’s and should be diverse and inclusive for all. This journey I have forgone during this last semester of my Freshman year at Miami Of Ohio, has taught me more about acquiring knowledge and doing well on a test, it has been transformative experience that has made me more “woke” as Mr. Coates would exclaim. I am more conscientious of the realities faced by marginalized or indigenous communities, making me more committed to being part of a meaningful change in systemic pressures. This insight I have gained not only bettered my views on these critical issues but has created a personal commitment to advocate for equity and justice. Submitting this final assignment, I am deeply grateful and a little sad, loving hearing Mr. Coates talks about anything from racial disparities to a lighthearted conversation regarding his past. He has led me to recognize and resist the systemic injustices that persist in our society. Equipping me with everything I need to know regarding creating a better future.

 

Student 4

I have learned many things upon taking CRE 151. This class is structured so that students can acknowledge the true voices that have been perpetually unheard, silenced, and questioned for centuries upon centuries. I have now been exposed to the atrocities that occurred during the slave trade in America and Haiti, the importance of the Civil Rights Movement, the power of externalization, the corruption of the U.S. government, and most importantly, the true extent of stereotypes, racial disparities, inequalities, hate crimes, injustice, and denigration that Black individuals, as well as other underrepresented groups, have been facing in America for the past 500 years.

My journey into becoming woke starts with challenging my own biases (which every single person has), listening to marginalized voices in any setting I may be in (class at Miami University, public space, future workplace), discussing and spreading information I have learned through this course in daily conversations, and voting for policy reforms that benefit underrepresented communities. If other individuals would expose themselves to the history and stories of marginalized people, they would feel inspired to make a difference, creating a society where hate and judgment have no room. Therefore, I feel better knowing I am making a sincere attempt to restore humanity by becoming woke.

 

Student 5

My Road to Becoming Woke has been profound, taking a considerable amount of
self-discovery and a significant jump in my understanding of complex social
interactions. I have explored issues related to social justice, race, and identity from our
weekly readings of critical race theory to exploring within my own ancestral roots. I
now have an improved grasp of systematic discrimination and cultural diversity
thanks to the homework, which includes essays and discussions. As D.L. Lewis
brilliantly phrases it, ""Being woke is not an endpoint; it is a lifelong journey. It is the
commitment to unlearn and relearn, to listen and understand, and to continuously evolve in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable world" (Lewis, 2018). I hope to share my path to enlightenment in this essay, in order to contribute to a society which is more fair, just, and caring.

Student 6

rowing up with conservative parents in the suburbs of Pennsylvania, I was conditioned from a very early age that there were little to no inequalities today in America, and if one pushes themselves to work hard enough, they will reap the benefits in which they sow, unconscious of any outside force. “You get out what you put in,” I was always told. This was the view that I had held for many years after, never really having the initiative to find faults in this way of thinking. But I have found my outlook on those words to have changed significantly throughout the many class periods that I have attended, and the research and studies I have been made aware of have shown me how outside forces, whether economically, socially, or
legally, have a vast and unrelenting effect on how black Americans and other minority groups operate in their day-to-day lives.

Digging a little further into my ideas of race and my identity before my journey to become woke was certainly a very important step in the process. Learning about my heritage had never been something that I actively pursued in my first twenty years on this Earth. “The idea of race and identity did not always cross my mind while I was growing up in a primarily white town in eastern Pennsylvania,” (Midterm Essay). I
subconsciously fought against educating myself on my background, thinking that my life and my identity should not be impacted by these factors that cannot be changed. Willful ignorance was omnipresent in my understanding of myself, and this ignorance has held me back in this class multiple times and was never truly eradicated until I was tasked with researching my own heritage. Underlying biases that every single
human on this Earth holds also affected my attitude about race and heritage. As I stated before, my family has many members that follow conservative ideologies. I was subject to many discussions where the main talking point was, “We are American, and that’s all that matters.” A confirmation bias, “the tendency to see information that confirms one’s beliefs while ignoring evidence that contradicts them,” (“How to
Identify and Address Bias in the Recruitment Process”, 2023, Recruiting Daily) was clouding my vision about the importance of identities until I started doing my research. And in doing so, I feel as though I have increased the amount of empathy I have for immigrants that suffer from discrimination after learning how my ancestors found their way into America from France. And from learning about the importance
that traditions and cultural values can have on individual people and families, my cultural awareness has grown much deeper, and I now foster much more appreciation for the cultures of others, which I did not have before. The lessons that I have learned from delving in to my familial heritage have fundamentally impacted how I think about race and has allowed me to see and understand race relations in a different light.

 

Student 5

In the ever-evolving landscape of societal awareness and consciousness, the journey
towards awakening, or being 'woke', is a deeply personal and transformative
experience. This essay embarks on a reflective exploration of my path toward
enlightenment by tracing the intricate web of influences, realizations, and challenges
that have shaped my awakening journey. From moments of ignorance to epiphanies
that shattered my preconceptions. Each step forward has been marked by a great reexamination of perspectives, values, and societal structures. This essay will be sectioned based on what I have learned through each section talked about in class. In exploring the intersectionality of the following topics: heritage, hate crimes, racial states, eroticism, stereotypes, misogyny, and the concept of 'othering' in the United States, this essay delves into the complex web of societal constructs and power
dynamics. By dissecting these connected themes, it seeks to unveil the truths obscured
by systemic prejudgments by shedding light on the foundation of discrimination and marginalization. Through soul-searching and critical analysis, this portrayal seeks to
bring to light the complexities of becoming woke. By offering insights into the layers
of awareness, privilege, and activism that define my journey towards becoming
'woke'. This essay’s job is to take you on a journey through my experience into
becoming woke, from analyzing my heritage to learning new information that I did not already know.

As I reflect on the journey talked about in this essay, I am struck by the amazing
impact of looking into the many layers of societal constructs and power dynamics.
Through the exploration of heritage, hate crimes, racial states, eroticism, stereotypes,
misogyny, and the concept of 'othering'. I have confronted uncomfortable truths while
also navigating through the complexities of systemic discrimination and
marginalization. Each section of this essay has served as a stepping stone in my
awakening journey by prompting moments of self-discovery, enlightenment, and
transformation. From confronting my own biases to acknowledging the harsh realities of societal injustices, this journey has been marked by both challenges and successes.
Through soul-searching and critical analysis, I have gained a deeper understanding of
the interconnectedness of privilege, activism, and social change. As I conclude this
reflective exploration, I am reminded that the journey toward being woke is ongoing
or a continuous process of growth and learning. May this exploration of my
awakening journey serve as a testament to the complexities of becoming woke and
hopefully inspire others to embark on their path toward awareness and social justice.

Student 6

Europe colonized much of the world,” laying the foundation for structural racism in
all of our major institutions, politics, family, economic systems, religion, and
education” (Day 1/2, April 22, Coates). This structural racism has resulted in a long history of “othering,” which involves actively marginalizing minorities by individuals and institutions alike. I was just eight months old when my parents adopted me from

South Korea, so growing up, I know what it is like to be part of different cultures. My
great-grandparents fled from war and fascism, while my grandparents experienced
their journey of self-discovery, balancing between Italian/American and
Polish/American cultures. These cultures and personal identities are a “badge of honor or burden” (Day 1, February 19-23, Blumenthal). I know what it is like to be a
minority in one sense and see how my father, a second-generation American, had to
overcome many hurdles in society. At the same time, my mother can trace her family
ancestors back to the Mayflower and looks at life differently. How we are treated
based on these labels builds the foundation of who we are and how we approach life
and interact with society. There is growing recognition that the racism built into our
institutions needs to be changed to create a more equitable society. All of us need to be more understanding of everyone regardless of race, religion, economic position, or
other social adjectives and be part of the solution to eliminate racism. In other words, it is part of my journey to becoming woke.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Woke definition is “aware of and
actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and
social justice).” When you see racism or inequities, do not be afraid to stand up, identify, stop the behavior and find solutions.
Woke has a long history with Black lineage (Robinson, 2022). In 1940, Black coal
miners were striking on the pay inequalities between blacks and whites, “we were
asleep but will stay woke from now on,” said the Black union leader in 1962.
Williams Kelly’s 1962 essay, “If you are Woke You Dig It” describes how whites
missed the word’s true meaning. White people were adopting black slang with a
different definition. Sometimes, the connotation of “jive” went from good to bad.
In 2010, Wokeness started to encompass anything related to social justice. “We see
how these words evolve even quicker with social media” (Roberson, 2022) and that
many news outlets made it the latest craze. Consider the two hypothetical tweets (Allen 2023): In 2022, my uncle was stopped in the street by armed police yesterday. it was pretty touch and go #staywoke. 2023 My teacher keeps preaching about misogyny in our history class; he is so annoyingly woke. In 2003, a Black person was
warning the local neighborhood about police stopping Black people. While in 2023, a white person is concerned with social justice in an insincere way (Allen 2023). The focus shifted from being used primarily in the “marginalized” community to a “wider public use,” with no idea why the Black community was using it in the first place.

 

Student 7

Before this course, I would defend that I am a woke person. I made this decision based on how I compared myself to others around me. My suburban high school’s student body is eighty-nine percent white, similarly Miami University is about seventy-eight percent. Yet, I grew up very closely with my black cousins, and had a black girlfriend in high school. While these events don’t automatically make someone woke, I attribute becoming woke to having the opportunity to have close relationships
L with these individuals and being part of the LGBTQ2+ community. In hindsight, while my personal experiences laid the foundation for my journey, it was the knowledge gained from this course that fortified my commitment to social justice advocacy. It showed the importance of continuous learning, self-reflection, and active engagement in dismantling systems of oppression and fostering inclusive spaces for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. In this paper, I will delve into the various assignments we had throughout the course to my understanding of the class. I will use the given material, class discussions, exams, and papers. I will start with the midterm, this assignment gave me the opportunity to understand my family and their struggles.
The point of this course, as taken from the syllabus “This course examines the development and the reality of Critical Race and Ethnicity or what many now call Critical Race Theory (CRT for short). It establishes the fact that CRT is a theory of oppression. The basic idea is that instead of being an invisible force or a force of nature, systems of oppression are socially constructed. These systems are further complicated by the intersections of race, gender, sex, and class as they work together to warp groups’ life chances and create identities. The basic premise of this course is that for far too long, the Truth has been externally provided to various groups, including Indigenous, Blacks, Whites, Asians, and others who do not occupy positions of power within the racial state. In our current political climate, the Truth is dictated by those in power from the extreme Right. Books are banned, teachers and professors are silenced or fired, and schools and institutions are sanctioned or defunded because they dare present different “truths.” What truths you subscribe to in many ways reflects the position you occupy. Central to this course will be to examine these voices and your own. We will examine how this process, which concentrates on the objectification, victimization, and marginalization of the indigenous, the colonized, and the enslaved, often ignores their successes, accomplishments, and agency. What is essential is to understand that they are active agents. This means that indigenous, colonized, and enslaved peoples were more than blank templates on which were written the epithets of racism and racialism” (Coates) I believe throughout this course I learned Critical Race Theory , and its premise as a theory of oppression. Rather than viewing oppression as an invisible or natural force, learned CRT posits that it is socially constructed. These systems of oppression are complex, intersecting with factors such as race, gender, sex, and class to shape life outcomes and identities. We challenged the historical dominance of external truths imposed on marginalized groups, including Indigenous, Black, White, Asian, and others outside positions of power within the racial state. Discussed how in today's political climate, truths are often dictated by those in power on the extreme Right, leading to censorship, silencing, and defunding of dissenting voices. Central to this course is an examination of these voices and individual perspectives. And highlighted the agency and achievements of marginalized groups, moving beyond narratives of victimization and marginalization to recognize their active roles in shaping their own destinies. While this course was and this final was an extreme amount of work, it played a part in my journey to becoming woke.

 

Student 8

n conclusion, this semester has been a profoundly transforming, illuminating, and meaningful experience for me. By means of stimulating conversations, insightful
readings, and critical introspection, I have commenced a process of becoming aware
of the widespread social injustices and systematic disparities that exist in our society.
I’m impressed by how much my awareness, perspective, and consciousness have
changed as I think back on my experiences and personal development. This semester
has been a driving force behind my awakening, forcing me to face hard realities,
reexamine strongly held convictions, and consider how I contribute to the upkeep of
oppressive structures. I now have a better knowledge of how privilege, power, and
marginalization interacts in society thanks to the investigation of many viewpoints,
historical accounts, and current problems.
In addition, my interaction with the content has given me a renewed sense of
compassion, empathy, and unity with marginalized populations. The tenacity, bravery,
and activism of those who have relentlessly battled for justice and equality have
inspired me. Their experiences have stoked my desire to support substantive reform
and continue the fight for social justice. I’m dedicated to elevating the voices of the
oppressed, opposing oppressive structures, and advancing the creation of a society that is more inclusive and equitable as I proceed on my awakening path. I understand that becoming wokeness is a lifelong process that calls for constant study,
introspection, and action. I'm committed to bringing about change with every step I
take and to standing in solidarity with people who have been marginalized and
silenced.
All in all, this semester has been a life-changing event that has made me more aware
of the unfairness and inequality that exist in the world. It has given me the confidence to take on these problems head-on, question the current quo, and work for a more fair and just future for everybody. I have a fresh sense of purpose and hope for the future, which will help me to continue on my path of advocacy and awakening.

Student 9

 

Before taking this course, I did not truly understand the meaning of being “woke”.
Throughout this course, I have gained an increasing awareness and understanding of societal injustices, systemic inequalities, and the interconnectedness of various social, cultural, and historical factors that contribute to becoming woke. It involves a process of critical self-reflection, education, and engagement with diverse perspectives, aimed
at challenging and dismantling oppressive norms and structures. This journey entails
acknowledging and confronting one's own biases, privileges, and complicity in
systems of oppression, while also advocating for social justice, equity, and empathy. It
is a transformative journey that extends beyond individual enlightenment to encompass collective action and solidarity, fostering a commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society. For me, this journey is not merely a destination to reach but a continuous process of growth and awakening, an ongoing dialogue with the world and within myself. Rooted in a profound sense of curiosity and a relentless pursuit of truth, my journey into becoming woke is a multifaceted narrative, woven from the threads of personal experiences, academic inquiry, and encounters with diverse perspectives. It is a journey that unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, where the imperatives of justice, equity, and compassion are more pressing than ever before. In tracing the contours of this transformative journey, I am compelled to navigate through the complexities of identity, privilege, and power dynamics, grappling with uncomfortable truths and confronting deep- seated biases. Yet, amidst the challenges and uncertainties, there exists a beacon of hope—a conviction that through collective action and individual introspection, we can strive towards a more just and equitable society. This essay serves as both a reflection on my own process of awakening and an invitation for others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and social transformation.

 

Student 10

The journey to "being woke" represents a personal transformation that encompasses
learning, reflection, and active engagement with issues of race, intersectionality, and
discrimination. This essay outlines my experience in a critical race class where I
explored these concepts through materials, lectures, research, and discussions. At the start of the course, we delved into defining race, intersectionality, and discrimination through video resources. Key topics addressed included the operation of race across
multiple institutions, the impact of intersectionality, and the effects of discrimination
in various contexts. One of the foundational studies in this journey was the Doll Study
by Kenneth and Mamie Clark, highlighting the internalized racism among Black
children due to segregation and racism. This study played a pivotal role in the
landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared
segregated schools unconstitutional. Throughout the course, we examined the
systemic racism embedded in the cradle-to-prison pipeline and how restorative justice
approaches might dismantle these harmful systems. The exploration of heritage,
culture, and identity was another significant aspect of the course, involving personal
reflections on family history and cultural practices. I investigated the legacy of
segregation in Charleston, South Carolina, and its lasting impact on Black
communities. Through a deep dive into my family’s past, I gained insights into the
struggles and triumphs that shaped my identity and the broader context of systemic
racism. In addition to learning about past injustices, the course tackled modern-day
issues like residential segregation and the perpetuation of racial stereotypes.
Discussions around the myth of Black matriarchy and the feminization of poverty
were particularly impactful, demonstrating how historical discrimination continues to
shape contemporary perceptions. The journey to being woke is not just about
acquiring knowledge—it's about internalizing these lessons and advocating for
change. Through ongoing reflection and participation in social justice movements,
individuals can play an active role in challenging systemic racism and building a more
equitable society. The course's comprehensive approach, covering historical contexts,
personal heritage, and contemporary issues, equipped me with the tools to continue
my journey of awareness, empathy, and action.