To honor differences

Someone recently asked me what it means to be “woke.” While this question surprised me given the recent mainstream use of the term, it caused me to stop and actually put into words this basic tenet of how I believe I have tried to live my life.

It goes to the core of the way I was raised. I would begin with the acknowledgment that while “woke” may sound grammatically incorrect, it is a derivative of the verb “to wake.”

And, if you do consider yourself to be “woke,” you probably know that this is a term for being enlightened or aware, primarily about racism and social justice. But for me, it goes much deeper than that.

Growing up in rural Arkansas, I was taught to be respectful of other people and to treat everyone the same. I was taught this at home, at church, in Boy Scouts, and in school. I was taught to be kind to everyone. I was taught to be woke. We see injustice everywhere, including assumptions about rural or working-class people, people with physical disabilities, people with mental illness, minorities, and people with differing lifestyles. I am proud I was raised to honor all people, regardless of income, rural/urban status, color, ethnicity, religion, health status, appearance, or orientation.

Our nation is stronger when we accept and honor differences and treat everyone with respect and understanding. I am grateful that my parents and hometown taught me to be woke, to accept all people on their terms, and to not feel better than anyone.

RANDAL HUNDLEY Little Rock