GOOD MORNING, ARE YOU AWOKE?

Wokeness refers to being alert to and aware of social injustices, inequalities, and systemic issues, particularly those related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and other forms of marginalisation. It originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) as a call to "stay woke," meaning to remain conscious and vigilant about societal issues, especially racism.

Over time, wokeness has broadened to include a range of social justice topics, from LGBTQIA+ rights and feminism to environmental activism and corporate inclusivity efforts. While it began as a positive term advocating awareness and action, it has also become a polarising concept, with critics using it negatively to describe what they perceive as excessive political correctness.

In today's world, navigating the landscape of "wokeness" can sometimes feel like stepping through a maze of rainbow-coloured doors and pronoun badges. But has it all gone too far? Have we overstepped the mark? Let's take a lighthearted stroll through some of the curious manifestations of inclusivity that have popped up in our society.

Examples of this could be companies where safe spaces are designated for vulnerable people to gather and discuss issues affecting them. Employees asking that preferred pronoun badges like "he/him," "they/them," or "she/her" be used when addressing them. It's not just about inclusion; it's a reminder that everyone's identity matters. My biggest bugbear with this is that it condones poor grammar. "Their" is a plural pronoun and should not be used in the singular sense. No matter who I'm speaking to, I refuse to use "they/their" when I'm referring to one person. If anything, the pronoun 'it' should be used if someone is gender-confused.

Some public facilities have boldly gone where no bathrooms have gone before, offering gender-neutral options. Why should anyone have to make a high-stakes decision about whether to enter the "Wizards" or "Witches" room when all they really need is a toilet, some soap, and a bit of dignity? Let's face it, needing to use the toilet should never involve a battle with binary labels. Some say it's a small but significant step towards ensuring comfort for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Some may ask why sexuality or gender has anything to do with urinating. It's just a basic human bodily function. When you enter any toilet, be it labelled "Mangoes" or "No-mangoes", if you suffer from any trace of dysmorphia, you can always use a cubicle and do your stuff in total privacy. You shouldn't have to question your sexuality or gender every time you pee.

Some argue that these bathrooms are about comfort and respect for everyone, especially for those who might otherwise feel scrutinised or out of place. For most of us, the experience is as mundane as it was before: go in, do your thing, wash your hands (please), and exit. Still, there’s something oddly revolutionary about a space where inclusivity has taken over. It’s not just a bathroom—it’s a statement. A porcelain promise that no matter who you are or how you identify, this is your throne, your hand dryer, your safe space. Just don’t forget to flush. No longer will we force anyone to choose between "Men" and "Women" when they really just need to pee. Why don't we just have a single restroom labelled "Pee Wees" and let blokes also suffer the long queues that we women have to endure.

In the corporate world, some companies proactively promote job openings to indigenous communities. Some say it's not just about ticking diversity boxes; it's about building a workforce that mirrors the rich tapestry of society. Really?? Or is it just a token gesture to be seen to have a statement in a job ad that encourages Indigenous people to apply? Why should indigenous people be singled out here? Why not say "We encourage Italians to apply for this position." Discrimination or what?

Across industries, women are standing up, speaking out, and—in some cases—ducking under glass ceilings as they shatter them into tiny shards of progress. What was once whispered over coffee breaks or scribbled in passive-aggressive Post-it notes is now being amplified on social media, in boardrooms, and yes, even HR meetings. Sharing stories of intimidation isn't just about calling out bad behaviour; it's about reshaping workplace cultures to foster respect and equity.

Now, the game is changing. Those off-colour comments that once slid by with an awkward laugh are being met with the steely gaze of a woman who knows her worth—and perhaps a well-timed screenshot of the company’s "zero tolerance" policy. Watercooler gossip has evolved into constructive conversations about equity, with fewer whispers and more direct feedback.

But let’s not pretend this shift hasn’t caused a few… complications. Some workplaces are now so wary of misconduct allegations that male employees refuse to even look at their female colleagues.

In the perilous world of modern entertainment, comedians now tread a thin tightrope. Jokes that once brought roaring laughter now ignite social media infernos, leaving performers wondering if they should trade their mic for a metal detector to scan for unseen landmines. What was once harmless banter a decade ago now carries the potential to obliterate a career. Consider the plight of comedians flipping through their old material, sweating bullets as they stumble upon an edgy bit about airline food. "Can I still make fun of peanuts?" they wonder. "Or will I offend both the nut-allergic community and the peanut farmers' union?"

For audiences, the comedy club has become a battleground of conflicting emotions. Laughter is no longer a simple reflex; it’s a calculated decision. "Am I allowed to laugh at this?" they ponder. "Or will someone cancel me for finding it funny?" A ripple of nervous chuckles often replaces genuine guffaws, as attendees anxiously scan the room for any disapproving glances.

Meanwhile, television networks and streaming platforms are now equipped with hypersensitive radar systems, ready to blacklist any performer whose jokes might disturb the fragile equilibrium of societal norms. A punchline about a cat could be fine—or it could spark outrage from dog lovers, bird enthusiasts, and an obscure group campaigning for equal representation of lizards in comedy.

And it doesn’t end there. In some circles, comedians are being asked to pre-submit their jokes for approval, transforming stand-up into sit-down-and-review-your-material-with-legal.

So here’s to the brave comedians still daring to take the stage, delivering jokes in a world where humour has become a high-risk sport. They may not know where the line is anymore, but they’re willing to dance near it—often with one foot firmly planted in controversy and the other on a banana peel. And if nothing else, the comedy of errors they face is one we can all nervously laugh at. For now.

And then there's the delicate issue of children exploring gender identity. The debate over puberty blockers ignites passionate discourse about medical ethics and personal autonomy—a reminder that inclusivity isn't always straightforward. On one side, advocates hail them as a compassionate tool that gives children time to explore their identity without the irreversible changes brought on by puberty. For a child feeling trapped in the wrong body, these medications can feel like a lifeline, offering relief from the stress of a ticking biological clock. On the other side, critics voice concerns about the long-term effects of these treatments, arguing that young people might not yet be equipped to make such life-altering decisions. They worry about the potential for regret or the medical community being swayed more by ideology than by rigorous science.

The heart of the debate often comes down to this: where do we draw the line between protecting a child’s autonomy and ensuring their long-term well-being? Should society err on the side of affirming a young person’s feelings, or should it prioritise caution and wait until they’re older to make such choices?

In this journey through the quirks of modern inclusivity, one thing remains clear: while rainbow flags may fly, pronoun badges may be sported, and safe peeing spaces may abound, the destination is a society striving for dignity and respect for all. BUT LET'S NOT TAKE IT TOO FAR.