Those in power have always chosen to redefine language in whatever way maintains their wealth and power. The more confusing they can make language the easier it is to pivot quickly when challenged. And the elite playbook, going back to pre-revolutionary America, has always been to bend reality into fear among the uneducated.

It is not the specific origin of the term, but it is fascinating that the left wing of the 1860 Lincoln presidential campaign called themselves the "Wide Awakes," they were awake to the horrors of slavery. The concept of being "woke" vs "asleep" and simply accepting the control of the wealthy, goes a long way back. And feels, to me, essential in a nation defined by racism - and compromise with racism - from before the start.