Editing Wake up

"'''Wake up'''" (also "'''WAKE UP'''", "'''[[Wake up, sheeple|Wake up]], [[sheeple]]'''", often with an exclamation mark) is a phrase often used in [[conspiracy theory]] and [[alternative spirituality]] circles. Commonly seen in online social media [[videos]] like on [[TikTok]], it encourages viewers to question their perception of [[reality]] and recognize supposed hidden truths. The message usually follows a pattern: presenting various [[conspiracy theory]] claims in succession using [[dramatic imagery]], and ending with "WAKE UP" to make the point. Sometimes, the phrase is used with a self-aware or ironic tone, acknowledging its overdramatic nature.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sheeple is in the dictionary now |url=https://x.com/MerriamWebster/status/857619516620189701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E857619516620189701%7Ctwgr%5E05a9cebe1fc7136c480d2875dacf566f6ef5facb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fsheeple-word-merriam-webster |website=X |access-date=2024-04-27}}</ref><ref name=redditOOTL>{{cite web |title=What is the "wake up sheeple" joke or where did it come from? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/2ganto/what_is_the_wake_up_sheeple_joke_or_where_did_it/ |website=Reddit |access-date=2024-04-27}}</ref>

== Possible historical precursors ==

The way "wake up" is used today has similarities to older messages that address the listener or reader suddenly. For example, [[Milton William Cooper|William Cooper]] wrote in [[Behold a Pale Horse (book)|Behold a Pale Horse]]:

<blockquote>
I firmly believe that all adult [[Secret society|secret societies]] that practice degrees of [[Initiation ritual|initiation]] and consider the members to be "illuminated" are branches of the original ages-old [[Illuminati]]. Their goal is to rule the world. The doctrine of this group is not [[Democracy|democracy]] or [[Communism|communism]], but is a form of [[Fascism|fascism]].  

The doctrine is [[totalitarian socialism]]. ''You must begin to think correctly''. [Emphasis added.]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cooper |first=Milton William |title=[[Behold a Pale Horse]] |date=1991 |publisher=Light Technology Publ |isbn=978-0-929385-22-8 |location=Sedona, Ariz |pages=79}}</ref>
</blockquote>Cooper’s phrase "You must begin to think correctly" shifts from explanation to a direct command, much like "WAKE UP" is used in some popular social media videos. This sudden change is meant to emphasize the importance of the message and encourage [[critical thinking]].

Cooper himself used the phrase.<ref name=redditOOTL />

== Modern trends in social media videos ==

In modern contexts, particularly on [[TikTok]], "wake up" is used in a specific way. Typically, the message is constructed with a succession of [[conspiracy theory]] claims, often accompanied by [[dramatic imagery]] or [[video clips]], creating a serious tone. These videos quickly present various assertions, sometimes linking unrelated [[theories]] to build a broader narrative, and conclude with the emphatic phrase "WAKE UP."

Common themes in these videos include the idea that multiple [[conspiracy theory]]s are interconnected, suggesting that everything is part of a larger hidden agenda. This snowballing effect leads to complex theories where [[simulated reality]] or [[holographic universe]] concepts are introduced, making the entire narrative seem like a vast, all-encompassing [[conspiracy theory]]. The use of "WAKE UP" serves as a final prompt for viewers to reconsider their beliefs and recognize the supposed pervasive manipulation.

== References ==
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