Civic education WOKE CULTURE The expression stay woke originated in African-American culture and its widespread use since 2014 is a result of the Black Lives Matter movement. Literally, the term woke means awake , that is, aware, attentive to social issues and respectful of diversity, in behaviour and language. The term entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017 with a positive meaning: that of being alert, i.e. watchful and sensitive, particularly on issues of racism, social injustice, and gender issues. The woke culture is characterised by two main principles: social awareness: remaining vigilant and informed about racial and social injustices, opposing discrimination and promoting greater inclusiveness and respect; activism: actively engage in minority rights and social issues, working together to change oppressive power structures. In the realm of film and television, this evolution has impacted the film industry and brought about diverse casting, inclusive narratives, and a deliberate effort to address historical underrepresentation. Films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians have demonstrated the commercial success of diverse storytelling, proving that audiences appreciate narratives that reflect a broader range of experience. Adapted from: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/ wokeness-pc-minorities-left-wing-snowflakecampaign-brand-baby-its-cold-outside-ariana-grandelatest-a8673691.html 23 Briefly summarise the meaning of the term woke in your own words. Then, say how it has affected the film industry. 24 PAIR WORK Think of a controversial film which perpetrates harmful stereotypes (such as The Birth of a Nation or Zulu), explaining what you would change. 25 GROUP WORK Prepare a class debate to discuss the following statement: Schools should show students films on hot issues. Group A: make a list of reasons why you think this is a good idea. Group B: make a list of reasons why this is not a good idea. Here are some suggestions: Some parents may object to their children discussing certain issues at school. Discussing certain issues makes learning more relevant and engaging, bridging the gap between classroom education and real-world events. Debating and discussing hot issues can improve students communication and argumentation skills. Sensitive topics can lead to heated debates and conflict among students, potentially creating a divisive classroom environment. 234 Big and small screen