If you asked me if I think sincerity matters, I’d automatically want to say yes — but considering performative activism, it gets more difficult than a simple yes or no answer.
With an increased use of social media globally, it can be difficult to discern what is real and what is not. And when it comes to activism’s connections to the media, it’s an entirely different ball game. In my mind, there are three categories of people within the realm of “performative activism” — the average person, the influencers and the celebrities.
The average person: intentions matters
Social media connects you with more people than you’d ever meet in person, so it can really feel like a defining factor in one’s life. If you don’t post anything regarding whatever activist movement is on the rise, it can feel like people will think poorly of you. But does it really matter what people think? If you do post something online about a movement, it can feel like you’ve done something instrumental — at the very least acknowledging your own standpoint on a political issue and making your followers aware of your view. But even then, will a post online really change the world?
There is more to just posting on an Instagram story when it comes to activism: sure, you might post online about Black Lives Matter, but have you checked your privilege? Do you understand the current problems of marginalization? Or the past events that lead to what is currently being fought for? If you’re posting things about any current socio-political situation but not reading into the topic and becoming aware of past and present social settings, then you may find yourself in the slippery slope of performative activism.
This may be relevant to most average Joes able to read and discuss and post. Not everyone has overflowing funds to be able to support movements like Black Lives Matter — but you can donate your time and effort to educate yourself. It is for this reason I believe intent matters. Especially when there is only so much you can do.
Influencers: impact over intent
Then, there is the case of someone not just reposting, but making content that revolves around activism. I always think of the woman online known as @surthycooks, who stitches reels of people wasting food with her own video of making hundreds of meals for impoverished children. She gets thousands of views, likes and comments. And in the comments, people always get really heated about it, claiming she’s only feeding the kids for views.
Because of social media, it’s easy to display a personality that isn’t based in truth, yet regardless of her intent, she is still feeding those children — so what does it matter her reason for doing it? She could decide to make content of anything, but she chooses to use her platform to make a difference in people’s lives. So, if she gets a ton of views and followings, but helps people in need in the process, does it really matter? In this case, I would argue it doesn’t. It’s better than if nothing was done at all.
Celebrities: impact and intentions
Celebrity donations are yet another kind of activism to be analyzed. For those who are living paycheque to paycheque, or are unable to have lofty expenses each month, it’s reasonable to support oneself before supporting others. But for those who have far more means than necessary one starts to wonder why they’re not doing more. There is a large disparity in the money they make and the money they put toward important causes. As singers perform at charity events to raucous applause, are they really benefiting those causes? While it seems arrogant, there is something to be said about the publicity it creates. Beyoncé performing at a charity event surely brings in many more donations from the public than if she hadn’t attended. But what good could be done if celebrities donated instead?
As with influencers, good intentions would of course be fantastic if a celebrity is looking to take a stand in something they believe in, but if they are performing or donating only for fame, it’s not the worst thing in the world — as long as some good comes out of it.
These people should be held accountable and understand their own social and economic privileges — but things are more complex than if sincerity matters no matter who you are.
Performative activism is acceptable, but only when good is being done.
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