Social Justice and Literary Adaptation: The Impact of Woke Ideology on American Classics in Contemporary Media

Abstract

This study investigates how contemporary social justice discourse, often referred to as “woke ideology,” has shaped the adaptation of American literary classics across film, television, animation, and video games. It examines how issues of race, gender, and intersectional identity are reconfigured in works such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby, and BioShock Infinite. Drawing on cultural theory (Hall, 1997; hooks, 1992; Crenshaw, 1991) and adaptation studies (Hutcheon, 2006), the research highlights how these reinterpretations negotiate tensions between inclusivity and fidelity to the source material. Findings indicate that adaptations function as cultural sites of negotiation: they broaden representation and social relevance yet also spark debates over revisionism and authenticity. The study contributes to adaptation scholarship by situating American classics within broader debates on cultural identity, justice, and the ethics of reinterpretation.