The term “woke,” once a watchword of social awareness, is now often seen as the punchline to a joke about political correctness.

Psychology, however, has something to say about those who dismiss “wokeness.” It’s not as shallow as it might appear on the surface.

People who despise wokeness tend to share certain traits in common. No, it’s not about being contrarian or resisting change for the sake of it. There are specific characteristics that these individuals exhibit, according to psychological research. So let’s dive right in!

1) Resistance to change

People are creatures of habit. We are wired to find comfort in the familiar and resist anything that threatens our status quo. This is not just a personal quirk, but a well-documented psychological phenomenon.

Those who express disdain for “wokeness” often have a strong aversion to change, particularly societal changes that challenge long-standing norms and traditions. They cling to the familiar, viewing any shift in societal values as a threat to their personal comfort zone.

This resistance to change isn’t necessarily about being stubborn or close-minded. It’s more about the fear of the unknown and the anxiety that comes with adapting to new ways of thinking and behaving.

It’s important to remember, though, that change is an integral part of life, whether we’re talking about the evolution of language or the transformation of societal attitudes.

Understanding this aversion to change can be a step towards fostering more meaningful and empathetic conversations around “wokeness”.

2) Preference for simplicity

I’ve always appreciated the simple things in life. Whether it’s a well-crafted sentence in a book, a straightforward conversation with a friend, or even a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, simplicity has its charm.

Now, apply that same mindset to social issues. “Wokeness” often involves complex discussions about systemic oppression, intersectionality, and social justice. These are not simple subjects, and they require a level of nuance and understanding that can be overwhelming for some.

I remember a conversation I had with an old friend of mine. He’s someone I’ve always known to prefer straightforward answers, black and white scenarios.

When we started discussing subjects like racial bias and gender inequality – topics that are at the heart of “wokeness” – he struggled. He found the complexities and gray areas frustrating and preferred to stick to more straightforward topics.

He represents a common trait among those who reject wokeness – a preference for simplicity over complexity. It’s not about ignorance or lack of empathy but more about being intimidated by the intricacies involved in such heavy discussions.

3) Value tradition over progress

Tradition holds a powerful grip on human behavior. It provides a sense of belonging, continuity, and identity. As such, many people hold tradition in high regard, sometimes to the point of resisting progressive ideas that conflict with these traditions.

Consider this: according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 54% of those who believe society has gone too far in accepting transgender people are aged 50 and above. This statistic strongly suggests a correlation between age – and by extension, attachment to tradition – and resistance to progressive ideologies like “wokeness.”

Those who oppose “wokeness” often view it as an attack on traditional values, even when it’s about advocating for equality and social justice.

The challenge here is to bridge the gap between tradition and progress, respecting the importance of both in shaping our society.

4) Fear of being labeled

No one likes to be pigeonholed or prematurely judged. It’s a common human trait to resist labels, especially when they come with negative connotations.

Those who despise “wokeness” often fear the labels associated with it, such as “social justice warrior,” or “liberal snowflake.” These labels, often used pejoratively, can deter people from engaging in meaningful conversations about social issues for fear of being stereotyped or misunderstood.

It’s important to remember, however, that labels are just shorthand. They don’t define who we are or what we believe in. They’re not meant to box us in, but rather to help us understand different perspectives.

Navigating the terrain of “wokeness” doesn’t mean you have to accept every label thrown your way. It’s about understanding complex social issues and contributing to their resolution in your own unique way.

5) Lack of personal experience

It’s often said that to truly understand someone, you must walk a mile in their shoes. Personal experiences deeply shape our perspectives and understanding of the world around us.

Many people who resist “wokeness” lack firsthand experience with the issues it seeks to address.

If you’ve never faced racial discrimination, for instance, it might be hard to grasp the urgency of addressing systemic racism. When you’ve never felt marginalized or oppressed, it’s easy to dismiss the cries for justice and equality as mere political correctness.

This lack of personal experience can create an empathy gap, making it difficult to understand why these issues matter so much to others.

But empathy isn’t about shared experiences; it’s about shared humanity. It’s about recognizing the pain and struggles of others and acknowledging the societal changes needed to address them.

Remember, you don’t have to personally experience an injustice to stand against it.

6) Comfort in convention

I grew up in a small town where traditions were cherished and everyone knew everyone else.

There was a certain comfort in that familiarity, in knowing what to expect and how to act. But it also meant that anything unconventional was often met with suspicion and resistance.

“Wokeness” is, by definition, unconventional. It challenges societal norms, questions established traditions, and pushes for change. For someone like me, who used to find solace in convention, embracing “wokeness” was initially a bit unsettling.

It’s similar for many people who resist “wokeness”. They find comfort in convention and are wary of straying from the norm.

But growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. It’s about learning to question, to listen, and to understand different perspectives.

Embracing “wokeness” doesn’t mean you have to let go of your comfort in convention entirely. It simply means being open to new ideas and accepting that convention can sometimes be a barrier to progress.

7) Misunderstanding the concept

Let’s face it, “wokeness” is a pretty loaded term. It’s been co-opted, misinterpreted, and politicized to the point where its original meaning has become clouded.

Many people who resist “wokeness” often do so because they’ve misunderstood what it truly stands for. They view it as a radical ideology that promotes divisiveness and conflict, rather than a call for awareness and change.

This misunderstanding stems from a lack of knowledge or exposure to unbiased information about “wokeness”. It’s easy to form opinions based on sound bites or posts on social media, but understanding complex concepts like “wokeness” requires effort.

It’s crucial to seek out reliable sources of information and engage in open discussions on the subject. This can help clear up misconceptions and foster a better understanding of what “wokeness” truly represents.

8) Defensive attitude

When our beliefs are questioned, it’s a natural reaction to become defensive. It’s a way of protecting our ego and maintaining our sense of self.

People who resist “wokeness” often exhibit a defensive attitude, viewing discussions around social justice and equality as personal attacks on their character or beliefs. They see “wokeness” as an enemy, rather than an opportunity to learn and grow.

But remember, “wokeness” is not about accusing or blaming. It’s about raising awareness, promoting understanding, and advocating for change.

Being open to these conversations doesn’t mean you’re conceding your beliefs. It means you’re willing to listen, learn, and contribute to a better society for all.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

The complexity of human nature is a fascinating field of study, and our attitudes towards “wokeness” are no exception.

As humans, we are a product of our experiences, beliefs, and values. Our perspectives are shaped by a myriad of factors, from our upbringing and environment to our personal experiences and inherent traits.

The resistance to “wokeness” is not merely a matter of stubbornness or ignorance. It’s a reflection of deeper psychological traits and tendencies that influence our perception of change, progress, and societal norms.

To quote Anais Nin, “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”

So the next time you encounter someone who resists “wokeness,” remember that it’s not a battle to win, but an opportunity to understand their perspective and engage in a meaningful conversation.

After all, change doesn’t come from confrontations but from constructive dialogues that bridge the divide. And understanding is the first step towards building that bridge.