Unmasking Performative Activism:
A Guide to Spotting Faux Advocacy at Conferences, Events, and Beyond
Is it just a rainbow hat once a year or do they actually support the LGBTQAI2S+?
Prologue
Performative activism is something I am particularly passionate about. I have worked for some of the industry’s best actors, and seeing beyond the curtain at what occurs within the institutions themselves after the stage lights go off is disappointing to say the least, but also damaging to the cause they boast to support.
As we move into pride month and conferences where companies have their mission, vision and values on display, I think it’s important to be aware of what they are actually trying to prove, or sell to you.
I have written a small comprehensive piece below about some of the hurtful effects of performative activism, but some of the ways you can spot the performers. This is extremely difficult to do, so please do not be critical of those who have been fooled, or yourself for believing in them. We are all still learning.
Introduction
Performative activism, a term that has gained popularity in recent years, refers to the act of publicly expressing support for social or political causes without genuinely committing to the underlying values or taking meaningful action to promote them (Wright, 2020). It often manifests as shallow or superficial gestures that may be more about gaining attention or social approval than fostering real change. As we attend conferences, events, and networking gatherings, it's important to be able to discern between genuine activism and performative activism. In this blog post, I discuss how to spot performative activism in various settings and share three relevant sources for further reading.
Assessing the depth of knowledge and commitment
At conferences and events, it's essential to pay attention to the speakers and their level of knowledge about the causes they champion. Performative activists may lack a deep understanding of the issues and may be unable to engage in substantive conversations. Genuine activists, on the other hand, will demonstrate a thorough comprehension of the topics they advocate for and be able to provide evidence-based arguments to support their positions (Freelon et al., 2020).
Evaluating the alignment of actions and values
One of the key indicators of performative activism is the inconsistency between words and actions. At conferences and events, look for the ways in which organizations and individuals align their actions with their stated values. Genuine activists will not only talk about their commitment to a cause but will also take concrete steps to advance it, such as allocating resources, implementing policies, or organizing events that promote their values (Mendes et al., 2018). For example, note how many women and diverse individuals are in leadership roles if they support BIPOC/female education and empowerment.
Analyzing the long-term engagement
Performative activism often involves short-lived, opportunistic support for a cause, usually when it is trending or newsworthy. To differentiate between genuine and performative activism, consider the long-term engagement of the individual or organization with the cause. Genuine activists will have a sustained history of involvement, while performative activists may only engage when it serves their interests or public image (Wright, 2020).
Conclusion
As you attend conferences, events, and networking gatherings, remember to look beyond the surface of activism. Assess the depth of knowledge and commitment, evaluate the alignment of actions and values, and analyze the long-term engagement of individuals and organizations to differentiate between genuine and performative activism. By doing so, you can ensure that your support goes to those who are truly dedicated to making a difference.
References:
Freelon, D., McIlwain, C. D., & Clark, M. D. (2020). Beyond the Hashtags: #Ferguson, #Blacklivesmatter, and the online struggle for offline justice. Retrieved from https://cmsimpact.org/resource/beyond-hashtags-ferguson-blacklivesmatter-online-struggle-offline-justice/
Mendes, K., Ringrose, J., & Keller, J. (2018). #MeToo and the promise and pitfalls of challenging rape culture through digital feminist activism. European Journal of Women's Studies, 25(2), 236-246. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/1350506818765318
Wright, E. (2020). Performative allyship is deadly (Here's what to do instead). Retrieved from https://forge.medium.com/performative-allyship-is-deadly-c900645d9f1f