In the beginning I was unaware of everything around me. I was what a ‘woke’ person would call “sheeple”, a person who acts like sheep, following what they’re told and waiting for the slaughter. When I first learned of being “woke” I was completely astonished. It was a surprise to learn that most of what I’d been told or taught was not true. At the start of my research I started with listening to conscious music, rappers such as Ab-soul, Kendrick Lamar, and Capital Steez who more or less preached about institutionalized racism, overcoming stereotypes pinned on African Americans/African(s). In the process of becoming conscious I’ve learned about feminism, misogyny (the dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women), and hatred towards interracial and same sex couples. I’ve diverged from my old self, the immature, naive, and ever so lost in the world me. I no longer speak badly of others, make racial jokes, or act the role of a stereotypical “light-skinned girl”
While learning about misogyny I’ve discovered many cases, including the ever so on going rape crimes. Misogyny is simply hate towards women, which I believe stemmed from men (and women’s) youth. Starting with mothers, or a lack of, the hatred towards and/or for women come from the lack of love only a mother could give. Misogyny is more common in the Middle East than anywhere else. People there tend to treat their women like less than human. The animals are valued there more than females.
In becoming conscious I also have learned about Buddhism, which is my philosophy. The Golden Rule being “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful” (Udana-Varga 5:18). While practicing Buddhism I have learned to turn all my negative energy into positive behavior. Buddhism is a way of life that I’m glad I’ve come across.
Overall, becoming conscious has turned me into a more mature and understanding person. I no longer make racial jokes or pick on others because of their differences. My consciousness has allowed me to see the world differently, in a new and brighter light, I am no longer a small child who knows no better, I am a young adult who is aware of the world around her.
