The term “woke” originally signifies awareness of social injustices and inequalities, often associated with progressive ideologies that advocate for human rights and social equity. When applied to the context of providing food and medicine to individuals who lack these essentials, labeling such actions as ‘woke’ could reflect a broader perspective on prioritizing humanitarian aid as a means to address disparities in access to basic needs.
Giving food and medicine to those who would otherwise go without is fundamentally an act of compassion, empathy, and responsibility towards fellow humans. It addresses immediate physical needs, and by doing so, it alleviates suffering, improves health outcomes, and provides a foundation for a more equitable society. This aligns well with the essence of social justice, which the concept of being ‘woke’ seeks to embrace.
Rather than viewing these efforts through a political or ideological lens, it’s more productive to perceive them as essential responses to poverty and health crises. These responses recognize that access to nutritious food and essential medicine are human rights, which should be available to all regardless of socioeconomic status. Providing these necessities should transcend labels and focus on the real impact it has on individuals’ wellbeing and on fostering an inclusive society where all have the opportunity to thrive.
