The American public largely avoids “woke” terminology, despite political endorsement, highlighting a cultural divide.
At a Glance
- Less than 25% of Americans use “woke” terms in daily conversations.
- A political divide exists between Democrats and Republicans on usage.
- 57% believe political correctness played a role in recent elections.
- Terms like “Latinx” are critiqued for elitism, affecting voter appeal.
Understanding the Divide
A YouGov poll indicates minimal usage of terms such as “safe space,” “woke,” “lived experience,” and “white privilege.” Only 20% of respondents admitted using “safe space” regularly, followed closely by 19% for “woke,” 16% for “lived experience,” and 15% for “white privilege.”
These expressions often feature in progressive contexts yet remain outside mainstream discourse. The survey encompassed familiarity and use of 30 terms, revealing that the majority do not register them frequently in conversation.
% of Americans 18-44 | 45+ who regularly use the following terms
Safe space 26% | 15%
Woke 27% | 13%
White privilege 20% | 11%
Environmental justice 18% | 8%
Cultural appropriation 19% | 5%
Trigger warnings 17% | 6%
Reproductive justice 16% | 6%https://t.co/8NtUNLrhjA pic.twitter.com/dpjohp0scQ— YouGov America (@YouGovAmerica) November 21, 2024
A Political Lens
Despite their absence in everyday speech, these terms are politically significant. Democrats are more prone than Republicans to incorporate them. However, no phrase is utilized by over a third of Democrats, reflecting internal party tensions concerning their political direction.
Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley remarked, “I think at the end of the day, this should be a wake-up sign for companies that had gone woke. This should be a wake-up sign for the government where they got so arrogant they started telling Americans what they should and shouldn’t do.”
The disparity between linguistic practices spotlights broader implications, with 57% considering “woke” culture pivotal in electoral outcomes.
Americans are shunning 'woke' words, poll suggests https://t.co/129cRe2veV
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 21, 2024
Cultural and Demographic Factors
Usage of “woke” language prominently clusters among young adults and those with higher education. Nevertheless, among terms like “Latinx,” there’s criticism for being perceived as aloof or out of touch, potentially harming Democratic appeal.
Neither President Biden nor Vice President Harris has used the term “Latinx” publicly since 2021, reflecting a cautious approach to language that carries significant social and political weight.
