How to create content that isn’t Woke?
How to Create Content That Isn’t Woke?Yes, the question mark in the title is intentional. It’s not a typo—it’s a genuine question I’m grappling with, sparked by a surprising experience with a science lesson I created a few years ago on human evolution and bipedalism. The pushback I received caught me off guard, and I’m still trying to make sense of it. So, let’s dive into the story and explore what it means to create educational content that stays true to science without bending to ideological pressures.
The Lesson That Sparked the Debate
The lesson, titled Introduction to Human Evolution HS-LS4-4 | Bipedalism, is a 34-page curriculum designed to teach high school students about the evolution of upright walking—one of humanity’s most significant adaptations, second perhaps only to the discovery of fire. Bipedalism paved the way for tool use, access to higher-calorie foods, larger brain development, and even language. The curriculum is packed with informational texts, guided notes, and integrated technology, making it ready for Google Classroom.
At the heart of the lesson is a hands-on activity where students compare the pelvis bones of three hominid species: Australopithecus afarensis, chimpanzees, and Homo sapiens. Through a cut-and-paste exercise, students examine how the shape of the pelvis differs between males and females across these species, highlighting the role of sexual dimorphism in bipedal locomotion. This comparison isn’t just a fun craft—it’s a window into how anatomical differences between sexes have shaped human evolution, influencing everything from physiology to survival strategies.
Why the Controversy?
Here’s where things get tricky. The lesson underscores a basic biological fact: there are clear, measurable differences between male and female pelvises in all three species. The activity makes this undeniable—students can see it with their own eyes as they cut and paste the distinct shapes. You can even catch a glimpse of this activity in the promotional video for the lesson.
So, what’s the problem? Apparently, the lesson isn’t “woke” enough. By presenting the biological reality of sexual dimorphism, I’ve somehow stepped into controversial territory. The pushback seems to stem from the fact that the lesson doesn’t align with narratives that downplay or deny differences between sexes. But here’s the thing: bones don’t change shape based on identity, whether you’re a human, a chimp, or an Australopithecus afarensis. Are anthropologists seriously claiming we can’t distinguish male from female skeletons? The science says otherwise.
The Dilemma: Staying True to Science
This experience has left me in a strange position. As an educator creating lessons on human evolution, I’m committed to aligning with standards like HS-LS4-4 and ensuring scientific accuracy. But how do I do that while navigating pressures to conform to ideological narratives that contradict observable evidence? If I’m teaching students about the biological realities of evolution, I can’t pretend there are no differences between sexes when the data—right down to the shape of a pelvis—shows otherwise.
My goal isn’t to stir controversy or push an agenda. It’s to create lessons that are engaging, scientifically sound, and spark meaningful discussions in the classroom. I want students to wrestle with big ideas, ask questions, and get excited about science. That’s why I’m keeping this lesson in my store and making it available on my website, controversy or not.
So, How Do You Create Content That Isn’t Woke?
The question in the title isn’t just rhetorical—it’s a challenge I’ve been wrestling with. To answer it, let’s start with a fundamental truth: every ideology, like religion, claims to hold the moral high ground. The “woke” mindset is no exception, positioning itself as the arbiter of what’s right or wrong. But here’s the reality: you don’t need an ideology to be a moral person. You’re already capable of discerning right from wrong without someone dictating your values. Recognizing your own moral competence is the first step to creating content that stands apart from ideological filters.
So, how do you actually do it? How do you craft educational content that isn’t shaped by a particular lens—one that often prioritizes narrative over evidence? My approach is simple: anchor everything in facts. Design lessons that are scientifically accurate, aligned with standards, and engaging enough to spark real classroom discussions. If that means challenging prevailing narratives, so be it. Science doesn’t bend to feelings or trends—it seeks truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
