On social media nowadays, we often see people sharing information about a certain cause or issue via their stories. Wildfires in Australia made headlines in 2021, as well as movements like Asian Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter; it’s been commonplace to see others repost information on calamity around the globe. On the surface, spreading awareness through accessible formats seems all well and good; but have you considered where your information is coming from, and if you’re really helping at all? Let’s take a look at performative activism, and consider if we’re part of the problem ourselves.
The term “performative activism” means supporting a cause or issue to collect approval, visibility or monetary gains, rather than really caring about making a difference. Examples of performative activism include posting black squares to raise awareness about the violence towards the Black community, brands only focusing on LGBTQ+ awareness during Pride Month in June, or creating ‘aesthetic’ graphics on social media that don’t share enough information. Although these pleasing, colourful posts are easy to consume, they often leave out crucial details about a movement and oversimplify issues. Even worse, the swarm of ‘helpful info’ ends up drowning out actual victims and voices which matter the most, and take all the credit for the visibility the posts muster.
Performative activism makes allyship all about the donor; the beneficial, good samaritan, reaching out to help those in need. In reality, this shifts attention from the affected community to the benefactor, and actually takes away from the cause itself. It’s so easy to partake in performative activism ourselves; even I’ve done it at a certain point. We don’t have to donate, or help others hands-on; there’s no reason to fight discrimination, underrepresentation and unfair laws when a hashtag makes you feel like you’re doing something.
Even more dangerously, not partaking in performative activism makes us look alienated from ‘the crowd’. The influx of performative activism in these years has turned allyship into a trend; instead of caring about making a difference, it’s become CRUCIAL to participate in an endless chain of fundraiser story-sharing. If you don’t share the latest Instagram post that contains oversimplified information, you’re labelled as sheltered and unknown of the world’s crises. Bragging about how ‘woke’ you are, putting information links in descriptions, singing and writing about a crisis you know little to nothing about; these ‘aware’ performative activists are actually the most unaware of all.
Now that we know what performative activism is, how can we take steps to become true allies, and break free of this cycle of misinformation? Firstly, we need to understand a cause at its root before posting anything on social media. Instead of posting a solitary black square or using #BlackLivesMatter, we need to learn more about the movement itself. We need to recognize the privilege we’re given, and amplify silenced voices instead of putting ourselves on the forefront as saviours.
Secondly, you don’t need to post everything you’re doing; moving silently is a respectable option. Remember that a crisis, issue or movement still exists after it’s stopped trending, and the internet has moved on; are we still supporting a problem once our friends have turned away? Make the effort to still support a movement, and become more involved with the intricacies of helping out; do something that really helps, like donating and educating yourself further. Don’t only be an ally when it’s convenient. Take action.
Source:
Candelario, C. (28, September 2021). What Is Performative Activism (and Why Does It Do More Harm Than Good)?. PureWow. https://www.purewow.com/wellness/what-is-performative-activism
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