Virtue Signaling

[wildmaven]

I am so confused. How does one support a cause dear to their heart without it being deemed virtue signaling? This world is so crazy right now that I don’t know when, where, or how to show my support and pledge for change for fear of backlash. I’m guessing that’s why so many choose to remain silent. 

[daniel]

Aug 8, 2020 8:23:33 GMT -8 wildmaven said:

I am so confused. How does one support a cause dear to their heart without it being deemed virtue signaling? This world is so crazy right now that I don’t know when, where, or how to show my support and pledge for change for fear of backlash. I’m guessing that’s why so many choose to remain silent. 

Meh, just go for it. Support what you care about. I don't think it matters unless a person is near the end of the line in supporting something- as in you throw support to a cause after everyone else already has and it's embarrassing not to. As long as you're genuine and consistent about it then it's fine.

[ZandraJoi]

I never even heard of 'virtue signaling' so had to search. So many new words & phrases. I agree with daniel If you want to support something, go for it! I think people worry too much about others & all these new terms & don't make the time to do what they actually want.

[Derek‽]

One shouldn't worry about whether or not there is backlash to supporting a cause if it's truly dear to them. That's cowardice.

Of course, a person also needs to ask themselves: are they virtue signaling? Showing support is not necessarily the same as supporting; the former is ineffectual and does nothing more than make themselves feel better without positively contributing to change. That is virtue signaling and isn't respectable in the least. If they're contributing to a cause, they shouldn't need to outwardly show support for it; they definitely shouldn't hide it, either (also cowardice), but they shouldn't feel the need to broadcast their deeds if they're actually putting in the work behind the scenes.

One can safely remain silent as long as they do what must be done to effect change. Speaking up is not always righteous if that's all a person is willing to do.

[bigballofyarn]

Maybe we shouldn't worry about anyone's motives, even our own. Maybe there are times when everyone just wants the world to see them as a good person. Maybe it's like Joey Tribbiani said in Friends, that there's no such thing as an unselfish good deed. Does that matter though? Do we have to stop loving and being passionate about things because we're worried that other people will think we're being fake or seeking attention? Do what feels right in your heart, and if anyone responds with hate, offer them compassion. Imagine the pain they must feel in some area of their life if they want to try to bring you down for being a good person.

[Pearson]

I think what everyone has responded is valid, thought out, what has not been discussed is the cancel culture which could affect her job, her husbands standing and much more!

This is from the oxford dictionary if that is even PC anymore???

vir·tue sig·nal·ing
noun: virtue signaling; noun: virtue signaling

The action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one's good character or the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue.

"it's noticeable how often virtue signaling consists of saying you hate things"

If I lose my job at sixty years old, next month, because of some rubbish like what is going on, my wife and I are made very insecure/unsecure! Is that the point?

Asking for a friend?

[Derek‽]

Aug 13, 2020 11:14:00 GMT -8 Pearson said:

I think what everyone has responded is valid, thought out, what has not been discussed is the cancel culture which could affect her job, her husbands standing and much more!

Because the question was how to support a cause without being labeled, basically. Discussing cancel culture is just bringing a boogeyman into the mix for no other reason than to rant about how crazy the world is. It's a real problem at times, yes, but nothing discussed here will halt the brigading. There's no easy fix for a mob mentality, which occurs regardless of political, moral, or social affiliation.

[HoudiniDerek]

Aug 8, 2020 8:23:33 GMT -8 wildmaven said:

I am so confused. How does one support a cause dear to their heart without it being deemed virtue signaling? This world is so crazy right now that I don’t know when, where, or how to show my support and pledge for change for fear of backlash. I’m guessing that’s why so many choose to remain silent. 

I have a few causes which are near and dear to my heart.  I have been proponents for quite a while on some, so I don't worry about people thinking I'm just doing it in the moment.  As I add any causes to those I support, I just go out and do it.  I volunteer, I promote on social media, I fundraise/donate, etc.  I have never actually been questioned about my motives before, so I guess I have never thought about it.  Although for each cause I support, I can easily sound off on reasons why I do it as well as what made me become more vocal or involved.

I guess I don't ever worry about it from a form of backlash so much as maybe others are trying to find the words as to why they do or do not support the same causes.

[Pearson]

Aug 14, 2020 6:18:23 GMT -8 Derek‽ said:

Aug 13, 2020 11:14:00 GMT -8 Pearson said:

I think what everyone has responded is valid, thought out, what has not been discussed is the cancel culture which could affect her job, her husbands standing and much more!

Because the question was how to support a cause without being labeled, basically. Discussing cancel culture is just bringing a boogeyman into the mix for no other reason than to rant about how crazy the world is. It's a real problem at times, yes, but nothing discussed here will halt the brigading. There's no easy fix for a mob mentality, which occurs regardless of political, moral, or social affiliation.

I again agree with this opinion, however the times are what they are for our current situation. However, to just blatantly post something, march for a cause right now could cost your job or life!