Dear Editor:

The term “woke” is a racial slur. It is used by reactionary populists to suppress the American ideals of freedom and equality. The idea that having empathy for minorities has become the target for derision is a shameful stain on the American conscience.

This slur attempts to hide our nation’s history of systemic racism, and even promote bigotry against the most vulnerable among us. The slur reflects the small mindedness of those who use it. It is a mean spirited reaction to any attempt to discuss racial equality and justice.

The use of this slur denigrates people of conscience, people who are cognizant of our history and the promise of a more equitable America. It drowns out kindness and charity from our lips. This slur is a painful reminder of how far we have yet to go to end racial injustice and heal the wounds of the past.

The drum beat of division and bigotry has many marching away from the bedrock values that hold out the promise of a better world. Trampled in the path of this march are the many who suffer misery and injustice of the bigotry it masks.

There are many who have used this term and are unaware of the pain and insult it represents. How it detracts from civil conversation about the problems we face, much less move toward a solution. For those people I ask to consider alternatives to name calling, we are not in kindergarten.

If we are to rise to greatness as a nation we must put aside this ideology of hate that spawns slurs such as these and be great of heart.

And may God forgive us.

Fred W. Nehring

Boothbay