Performative Activism Doesn't Solve Problems
by Xan Jordan
Activism is arguably one of the most important things in creating change. The point of activism is to create change and make the world a better place. Since June advocacy for Black Lives Matter, Asian Lives Matter, and other important topics have grown in popularity, particularly on social media. However since then, an important point has been brought up, is posting a black square and changing your Instagram bio really “activism”? Because although showing solidarity and showing your support is, in theory, good, what chance does it bring?
The issue at hand is performative activism. Performative activism is in essence activism that is more for the sake of self-image and reputation rather than actual change. Performative activism goes hand-in-hand with surface-level discussions and understandings that ignore deep-rooted historical and institutional issues.
Most apparent is the lack of understanding that being able to turn it on and off is a privilege for some and not a matter of livelihood for others. Hiding behind your own marginalized identities to excuse harmful behavior, picking and choosing what you advocate for, refusing to listen to voices that make you uncomfortable, and many other things all make advocacy pointless. Junior Katie Mosher extends on this idea. “People reposting infographics, and then dating and excusing the behavior of someone or connecting everything back to God doesn't do much to help people.” Another Junior Paavni Rao notes that “People will post their solidarity with Asian Americans but then go to culturally appropriate spiritual practices, Buddhism and other such things.” Both students make a point that words don't mean anything when their actions don't follow suit, and it's harmful because it changes nothing.
To truly bring change and be a good activist, listening and advocating are fundamental. Allow people to speak on issues that affect them, boost their voices. Take steps to educate yourself and reflect on how you can change your behavior. Focusing on groundwork and change within your community to create change is vital. Uplifting community voices and taking initiative is a great way to help your local community and create a precedent. Along with groundwork making sure you are actively fighting social injustice and learning every day is critical. Actively calling out your friends and yourself and keeping up with issues are all important. Change is uncomfortable but the change that it brings is what makes the world a better place. Simply centering one's education around what makes them comfortable doesn't allow people to truly become better allies because they are catering to the identities that hold power rather than challenging them. Furthermore, understanding that self-reflection and change is necessary is also important, understanding the privilege and power you wield in society