Being "woke" has become something of a standard among the millennial generation. But keeping up with social issues can be tough. Watch these 15 shows and documentaries to awaken your activist spirit and reignite your passion for matters of race, class, gender and sexuality. Check your privilege. Educate yourself on the issues that affect more than just the people who look like you. And stay woke.
1. Dear White People
Based on the 2014 film, "Dear White People" is about as woke as it gets. The 10-episode Netflix original series takes a satirical view of "post-racial" America as students of color navigate racism at their predominantly white Ivy League school after students throw a blackface party.
2. Poverty, Inc.
Well-meaning individuals provide aid and support in the form of supply donations to "third-world" countries. But poverty is an industry, and the majority of its profits aren't actually helping those who they were meant for.
3. Sky Ladder
Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang is known for his paintings using gunpowder to create artwork that incorporates elements of both tradition and chance. In "Sky Ladder," he takes on his most difficult project yet — a 1,650 foot ladder of fire.
4. Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine
Matt Shepard was a gay student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured and left for dead in October 1998 because of his sexuality. His became one of the most discussed hate crimes in the United States and brought international attention to hate crime legislation.
5. 13th
The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the U.S. But the loophole — the part of the amendment that says "except as a punishment for crime" — led to the criminalization of blacks in America. "13th" takes a deeper look at mass incarceration in the land of the free.
6. Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
Insightful, hilarious and relatable AF, Hasan Minhaj returns to his hometown of Davis, California, to reflect on his upbringing as a first-generation American.
7. Miss Representation
When men control the media, women are often nothing more than objects of desire. "Miss Representation" shows how this affects the psyche of young girls as they become women and why it is important for women to tell their own stories.
8. Barry
When Barack Obama arrived in racially charged New York City in 1981 for his junior year at Columbia University, he was grappling with something of an identity crisis. "Barry" tells the pre-presidency story of Obama during a crucial part of his life.
9. The Search for General Tso
General Tso's chicken is our go-to order at any Chinese restaurant. But who was General Tso? "The Search for General Tso" researches the history of your favorite dish and explores how restaurant ownership became a go-to career for Chinese immigrants in the U.S.
10. Beasts of No Nation
"Beasts of No Nation" tells the harrowing story of Agu, a young boy who becomes a rebel soldier after losing his family. As civil war tears apart families in West Africa, a warlord takes advantage of newly orphaned children, forcing them to join his group of guerrilla soldiers.
11. Trevor Noah: Afraid of the Dark
The host of "The Daily Show" takes the stage in New York City for a comedy special focused on race, international relations and politics in the U.S.
12. Citizen Koch
The über-wealthy Koch brothers funded the rise of the Tea Party. "Citizen Koch" investigates how unlimited, anonymous spending has changed the political landscape in America.
13. The Propaganda Game
"The Propaganda Game" explores life in North Korea, calling into question the Western view of the communist country.
14. Master of None
The newly released season two of Aziz Ansari's "Master of None" picks up with Dev in Modena, Italy, where he moved to learn the art of pasta-making. Season two is an artistic and charming take on finding love in the 21st century.
15. She's Beautiful When She's Angry
"She's Beautiful When She's Angry" is a must-watch for feminists. The documentary takes a look back at the early feminists who made progress for women's rights — and the need for women to continue fighting for equality today.