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No Peace No Quiet, Inc., is dedicated to creating safe spaces online for victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
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The Cycle of Performative Activism: Rehashing Old Drama for Social Media Relevance.
By Rachel DePalma | Certified Advocate
In the age of social media, activism has found a new stage – one where performances are applauded with likes, shares, and followers. However, within this realm of digital activism, a troubling trend has emerged: the rehashing of old drama to fuel performative activism and maintain relevance on social media platforms.
Performative activism, characterized by superficial gestures and actions done more for social capital than genuine change, has become increasingly prevalent. In this quest for validation and relevance, some individuals and groups resort to resurrecting past controversies, conflicts, or injustices, leveraging them for their own agenda, rather than contributing constructively to societal progress.
When it comes to the topic of domestic violence and abuse, performative activists will often rehash old drama in the name of 'bringing awareness' to an issue when in reality their self serving actions are harming victims and survivors. By dredging up past traumas and controversies without consent or consideration for the well-being of those affected, these individuals exploit sensitive issues for their own agenda, triggering distress and retraumatization among survivors. This insensitive approach not only undermines the experiences and struggles of survivors but also perpetuates a culture of voyeurism and sensationalism that detracts from genuine efforts to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and abuse.
The phenomenon of rehashing old drama to appear relevant on social media is multifaceted and deeply ingrained within the dynamics of online activism:
Instant Gratification Culture:Social media platforms thrive on constant updates and instant gratification. Revisiting old controversies or dramas provides a quick fix for attention-seekers, offering an easy way to spark engagement and reignite discussion without the effort of addressing current issues or initiating meaningful change.Nostalgia and Emotional Manipulation:Bringing up past grievances taps into people's emotions, leveraging nostalgia or unresolved anger to garner sympathy and support. By revisiting old dramas, performative activists aim to manipulate emotions, often without considering the real impact or progress they could be making.
Clout Chasing and Virtue Signaling:In the competitive landscape of social media activism, visibility and popularity often reign supreme. By dredging up old controversies, individuals seek to assert their moral superiority or align themselves with popular narratives, effectively engaging in virtue signaling to boost their online presence.
Lack of Accountability and Context:The transient nature of social media allows individuals to conveniently cherry-pick past events without providing proper context or acknowledging their own accountability. This selective memory enables performative activists to deflect criticism or scrutiny while perpetuating outdated narratives.
Diversionary Tactics:Rehashing old drama can serve as a distraction from current societal issues or personal shortcomings. By redirecting focus onto past controversies, individuals can avoid addressing uncomfortable truths or systemic injustices, maintaining their facade of activism without genuine introspection or action.
Echo Chamber Dynamics:Social media echo chambers amplify and reinforce certain narratives while silencing dissenting voices. Revisiting old dramas within these echo chambers further entrenches ideological divides, preventing meaningful dialogue and collaboration toward real solutions.
While social media has undoubtedly facilitated important conversations and movements, the prevalence of performative activism and the recycling of old drama highlight the need for a more critical and discerning approach to online activism:
Focus on Substance Over Spectacle:Genuine activism requires sustained effort and commitment beyond fleeting online performances. Instead of chasing trends or seeking validation, activists should prioritize substance and impact, focusing on tangible actions that drive meaningful change.
Educate and Elevate:Rather than dwelling on past grievances, activists should strive to educate and elevate discussions by shedding light on current issues and amplifying marginalized voices. By fostering understanding and empathy, they can cultivate a more inclusive and constructive activism community.
Hold Accountable, Including Ourselves:It's essential to hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions and words, both past and present. By acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and actively working to do better, we can contribute authentically to positive social change.
In conclusion, the rehashing of old drama for social media relevance reflects the pitfalls of performative activism – a shallow pursuit of attention and validation at the expense of genuine progress. To truly make a difference in the digital age, activists must transcend the allure of spectacle and focus on substantive, impactful actions that address current injustices and foster meaningful dialogue and change.
If you or someone you know is in need of support services, please visit our resources page. Did you find this article helpful? Drop us a comment on LinkedIn. ___________________________________#PerformativeActivism #Manupliation #Abuse #DomesticViolenceAwareness #Support #Nonprofits #NoPeaceNoQuiet #RachelDePalma
If you or someone you know is in need of support services, please visit our resources page. Did you find this article helpful? Drop us a comment on LinkedIn. ___________________________________#PerformativeActivism #Manupliation #Abuse #DomesticViolenceAwareness #Support #Nonprofits #NoPeaceNoQuiet #RachelDePalma