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April 3, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Glen Rose’s column uses Wikipedia as a source for defining Woke. By only using the arguments of the definition that support his biased commentary, he fails to allow us to consider the numerous different interpretations of Woke that Wikipedia defines. “While the term Woke initially pertained to issues of racial prejudice and discrimination impacting African-Americans, it was appropriated by other activist groups with different causes.” There is no single agreed upon definition. Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that “The first to state his case seems right until another comes to cross-examine him.”
Mr. Rose has validated his opinion of Wokism by systematically taking the public comments of Ron DeSantis, David Brooks, Ryan Newman and other conservatives out of context. Americans who look to journalistic commentary for objective information are frequently marginalized because journalists resort to “contextual storytelling.”
In a divided America desperate for a return to civility and sanity, one-sided reporting allows for no bridge building. Mr. Rose contends that Wokeism instills a healthy and necessary sense of guilt, sympathy and compassion in non-colored children, and parents should not be threatened by Woke. Feeling guilt for an action a child committed may be the trigger for self-evaluation, but teaching a child they are guilty for the racially bigoted actions of adults is egresiously wrong.
I agree with Mr. Rose that Luke 6:31,”Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you” is a powerful remedy for the world. However there is no bigger challenge for mankind than Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies, and pray for those that persecute you.” ANNE RUSSEK Natural Bridge
