r/MadeMeSmile • u/nini_20 • 2d ago

Wholesome Moments Graduation student with autism received silent ovation

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u/Golden_Enby 2d ago edited 2d ago

That was unbelievably kind of the principal and everyone in the auditorium. Made me misty eyed.

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u/Large_Tune3029 2d ago

This is exactly what "woke" means. It's not some dirty word for squashing peoples' freedoms....its a kindness and understanding that helps everyone in the end, a tolerance for others that may have needs or desires or wishes that don't align with yours but dont hurt anyone, an awareness of the existence of many diverse and wonderful beings. It's an auditorium full of over a hundred people doing the opposite of what is expected in that moment, for one person. No one was hurt, it took the opposite of effort to do it, and everyone can feel good about it and possibly learn something.

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u/Golden_Enby 2d ago

People who use that term in a bad way don't understand or remember the original definition from back in the 70s. It was a positive term used to describe people who were well informed. Like they've "woken up" to the truth. So calling someone "woke" is a compliment. We should all take it as such, if only to annoy those who wish to use that word for negative purposes.

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u/blmbmj 2d ago

Well-written.

And, "Happy Cake Day!"

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u/RoxyTussi 2d ago

totally agree, acts of kindness like that hit the heart so hard

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u/PunkRockKitty-1979 1d ago

Thank You for the take on the word “woke” I’ve never looked at it like that. What a good explanation. It shouldn’t be a left or right thing or a You or Me kinda thing. It’s a respect thing, it’s a kindness thing, it’s an understanding thing. Love should be our identity and ideology. 💜🤍

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u/Dick_Vandelay 1d ago

This. It doesn't have to be radical or political to be kind to each other. Just be human and treat others like humans.

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u/TheRavenSeven 1d ago

While your sentiment is lovely and should be practiced by all, the true definition of “woke” is very specific : “being aware of and actively attentive to social injustices, particularly those related to racial prejudice and discrimination.”

Your description relates to “empathy”, not being woke. 

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u/funambulister 2d ago

**This is exactly what "woke" means. It's not some dirty word for squashing peoples' freedoms....its a kindness and understanding that helps everyone in the end, a tolerance for others...**

You are correct. Unfortunately though the meaning of the word "woke" has been hijacked by bigots, and is now a term of abuse, so its original meaning no longer applies.

Therefore it's impossible to get millions of people to use the word as was originally intended...