Woke Is Dead in Uruguay
WARNING: The following may be upsetting or triggering to some. Read if you dare.
Woke (verb): Past tense of wake.
Woke (adjective): U.S. slang — awareness of and active attentiveness to important societal issues, especially those related to racial and social justice.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The social construct of “woke” does not exist in Uruguay. This is not to say that social justice is absent; rather, the term is not vilified, twisted, or weaponized against those with differing viewpoints. Allow me to explain.
When the dictatorship ended in 1985 and the people reclaimed their government, a new constitution was written to ensure that all individuals held equal rights. It was explicitly designed to prevent discrimination based on birth or affiliation. But how is this upheld, and how is government buy-in maintained?
To begin, politicians cannot accept campaign donations from corporations. This prevents companies from influencing or controlling the government—there is no “dark money.”
Additionally, there is a clear and unwavering separation of church and state. Although Catholicism is the predominant religion, roughly half of the population identifies as secular. Politicians are not permitted to base their legislative decisions on religious beliefs. Government does not serve religion, and religion does not dictate governmental action. There are no legislative prayers, no faith-based breakfasts, no prayer in school, and national holidays are secularized (Christmas is Family Day; Easter is Tourist Week). Individuals may celebrate as they wish, but the state does not prescribe observance.
Presidents—both current and past—tend to be politically moderate. Their decisions reflect the needs of the people and the country rather than extreme ideological positions.
Here is how this plays out in daily life: most people simply do not concern themselves with the categories that separate others. Everyone is viewed as equal, including immigrants. What matters is character—how one contributes to the community and participates in cultural traditions. A few examples:
Mikey and I have not experienced staring, comments, or hostility from others as we did in the United States.
In a public market space, a large screen displayed a celebration recognizing the cultural contributions of drag performers—drag queens on a large public screen!
In meetings, it is customary to allow participants to greet and converse before the meeting begins. Starting precisely at the designated time is considered rude. I learned this while at New Mexico State University.
National celebrations, such as Independence Day and Carnaval, focus on cultural identity rather than an excuse to drink to excess.
Toxic masculinity is far less prevalent. Men greet one another with hugs or a kiss on the cheek, and it is regarded as a natural expression of friendship. Safety arms do not happen. The “homosexual seat,” such as placing a seat between two men, is not a thing here—no one is concerned.
“Woke” as an American culture war concept does not exist because equality is integrated into daily life. We have not encountered judgment, comments, or contempt. Our relationship is treated no differently than that of any other couple (or throuple).
It is refreshing to live among individuals who genuinely care for one another. Here, constitutional protections safeguard the rights of all people—not only the groups favored by those in power.
Some may view this as a rant, but it is truly a reflection of my observations and my appreciation for living in a country where my rights cannot be revoked simply because leadership changes. They are not threatened by particular religious sects gaining political influence. It is one less fear to carry.
“Woke” does not exist here because, in Uruguay, equality is not a controversy—it is a norm.
Thank you for reading to the end. More observations to come.
