What is performative activism?
Performative activism is just that; a performance. Rather than wanting to create a difference, many people use social justice as an excuse to increase their social capital, pad their resumes, and make themselves look like socially conscious people when they’re not. It’s a shallow type of activism that requires little effort or reading, and creates no change.
Performative activism may manifest itself as:
Reposting Instagram posts
Putting hashtags in bio
Joining nonprofit organizations to look better for college
Starting arguments online
Prevalence
Ever since the start of COVID-19, the world has descended into chaos. Naturally, people have realized they need to take action. Stuck at home with screaming headlines every day, people decided enough was enough and took to the Internet to spread awareness about global problems. From Palestine to Black Lives Matter to prison violence, everything became a hashtag. Soon Internet activism became a trend. Appearing politically aware was trendy and stylish, and that meant people were able to start making money off of it.
Why Is It Bad?
Political and social issues are not just cute Instagram infographics, they are real-life problems destroying the lives of thousands all around the world. Activism and community organizing isn't that easy. It requires knowledge and self-reflection, and it can even be dangerous. Marketing and making money off activism completely goes against its nature, and has always served as dissent against the government. Performative activism has dimmed out the voices of genuine organizers who put their lives at risk every day for human rights.
What Can We Do Instead?
Go outside and search up local grassroots organizations that line up with your political beliefs. Find a political community of people who have similar goals as you. Discover local protests, rallies and marches if they ever happen, be sure to attend them. Go to local government officials and pressure them to pass bills. Don’t let any issue you read about become a passing trend. Push physically. Participate in mutual aid and boost marginalized people’s fundraisers, or better yet, donate if you can. Most importantly, read. Read about history and stay up-to-date with issues by reading from credible sources. Your knowledge should stretch farther than an infographic, Twitter thread, or carrd website.
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