*For some people, being woke may be a joke, but for a bunch of others, begin woke means challenging all the problematic norms of the society.

Even public figures like Colin Kaepernick and Zendaya are using their platforms to speak up against oppression – which is where the hashtag #StayWoke came into being. This hashtag makes us very glad because it reassures us that people are involved in all the important discussions about race under the red, white, and blue.

Now we aren’t really casting any stones here because most of us are guilty of doing the same. But let’s try and make a difference by pointing out some bad habits woke people need to steer clear of.

Bad Habits Woke People Need to Quit

1.     Calling Out People in an Unhelpful Manner

People enjoy all the good clapbacks on Twitter where Black folks call out racists for being the trash that they are. Even though this is the case, there is always some ill-informed person who doesn’t need to make comments that can cause third-degree burns for every reader. Now anger and passion may be important for equality and justice, but we should atleast have a strategy in mind according to the people we are addressing.

2.     Forgetting About Our Privilege

Yes- there is no such thing as black privilege but there are definitely some other privileges that have been allowed for the black community – like being able-bodied and not poor. If we hold any of these brilliant identities, we should refrain from leaving out the less privileged like black trans communities, black individuals with disabilities and even black people with mental health problems.

3.     Judging People Who Don’t Think Like Us

Everyone is unique – and this also means that all woke people can think differently. There will always be black women who question the boundaries of feminism because they believe it is divisive or a White thing. What you need to do is understand where these people are coming from and why they don’t choose to fall under this label. This could be as simple as understanding that while I am Martin, you may be a Malcolm.

4.     Looking Down on Less Woke Individuals

Being woke should never be associated with someone who has a pompous attitude. If you remember the days when you weren’t as conscious of your surroundings, you wouldn’t like it if someone belittled you, would you? Instead of seeming like a know-it-all, keep yourself humble—we’re all learning.

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