Virtue signaling

[rogue06]

It's basically any action where the primary purpose is to signal to others how virtuous you are. Expressions of "white guilt", or lamentations about one's "male privilege" would be textbook examples.

Moreover it appears that it doesn't really matter what you nearly as much as what your perceived motives are

[oxmixmudd]

It's basically any action where the primary purpose is to signal to others how virtuous you are. Expressions of "white guilt", or lamentations about one's "male privilege" would be textbook examples.

It is a term that also gets used to try to silence those that encourage others to do the right thing.

[Cow Poke]

I've been accused of virtue signaling simply because I like to brag about what the Lord has done, or is doing.

Some will point out the "don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" precept, but that ignores Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I think the determining factor is motive -- If you're only doing it to show how good you are, it's wrong. If you're doing it for the reason suggested in Matt 5 - shout it out.



I found this --- Twelve Examples of Virtue Signaling.

[Sparko]

Thank God I am more humble than you guys are.

[seer]

It is a term that also gets used to try to silence those that encourage others to do the right thing.

No Jim, it is about taking a popular moral position when it costs you nothing. Like being for Gay marriage when it is favored and accepted by the majority. When supporting it causes no personal ramifications, yet you get to show how virtuous you are.

[oxmixmudd]

No Jim, it is about taking a popular moral position when it costs you nothing. Like being for Gay marriage when it is favored and accepted by the majority. When supporting it causes no personal ramifications, yet you get to show how virtuous you are.

And exactly how can you tell the difference between that and a person that takes the stand because they actually believe it to be true?

As I said, as I have seen the term used, it is mostly just a way of denigrating those that try to do what is right.

A way of trying to force an even greater cost than already exists for such people.

[Charles]

It is a term that also gets used to try to silence those that encourage others to do the right thing.

Unfortunately that sometimes seems to be the case. I think one should be very, very careful when trying to justify claiming that others are just "virtue signaling".

[Cow Poke]

Unfortunately that sometimes seems to be the case. I think one should be very, very careful when trying to justify claiming that others are just "virtue signaling".

Yeah.

[seer]

And exactly how can you tell the difference between that and a person that takes the stand because they actually believe it to be true?

As I said, as I have seen the term used, it is mostly just a way of denigrating those that try to do what is right.

A way of trying to force an even greater cost than already exists for such people.

I think most people who jump on a popular bandwagon where there are no consequences (or possible consequences) to show what a good chap you are - are suspect. Going against the grain risking the wrath of the cancel culture would be noble. There is nothing virtuous about being a leftist student on College campuses today, there is with conservative students who speak up.

[Charles]

I think most people who jump on a popular bandwagon where there are no consequences (or possible consequences) to show what a good chap you are - are suspect. Going against the grain risking the wrath of the cancel culture would be noble. There is nothing virtuous about being a leftist student on College campuses today, there is with conservative students who speak up.

It sems you imply that one can only be noble if one goes against the flow. If that is not your point please explain why.

[seer]

It sems you imply that one can only be noble if one goes against the flow. If that is not your point please explain why.

Well what is more noble in your mind? One who pushes against the popular culture (Like a MLK) or one who just goes along? Is the one parroting the popular line doing so because they deeply believe it, or because they are just cowards?

[Cow Poke]

Well what is more noble in your mind? One who pushes against the popular culture (Like a MLK) or one who just goes along? Is the one parroting the popular line doing so because they deeply believe it, or because they are just cowards?

Again, goes to motive. If it's obviously "hey, look at me", or some variation of that, it's suspect. If your walk actually matches your talk -- that's different. If you're actually taking a risk in taking your stand, that kinda demonstrates good motives.

[Sparko]

Again, goes to motive. If it's obviously "hey, look at me", or some variation of that, it's suspect. If your walk actually matches your talk -- that's different.

I just want to interrupt this thread to remind everyone how sensitive and woke I am.

Carry on.

[Charles]

Well what is more noble in your mind? One who pushes against the popular culture (Like a MLK) one one who just goes along? Is the one parroting the popular line doing so because they deeply believe it, or because they are just cowards?

You did not answer the question, seer.

And regarding your question: "Is the one parroting the popular line doing so because they deeply believe it, or because they are just cowards?" it seems you believe you can read the minds of others. I do not believe I can.

Have you noticed a rather absurd conclusion if one follows your line of reasoning? Since your criterion is based on whether something is "popular" or not what you define as "noble" will change as soon as it becomes popular meaning that fighting for conservative ideas and ideals would be less noble if they were more popular. You might want to reconsider that line of reasoning... Perhaps holding on to your ideas and ideals whether they are popular or not would make more sense?

[seer]

You did not answer the question, seer.

I did answer Charles, I said why I would consider certain moral posturing suspect. Do I know for sure - no, of course not.

And regarding your question: "Is the one parroting the popular line doing so because they deeply believe it, or because they are just cowards?" it seems you believe you can read the minds of others. I do not believe I can.

Have you noticed a rather absurd conclusion if one follows your line of reasoning? Since your criterion is based on whether something is "popular" or not what you define as "noble" will change as soon as it becomes popular meaning that fighting for conservative ideas and ideals would be less noble if they were more popular. You might want to reconsider that line of reasoning... Perhaps holding on to your ideas and ideals whether they are popular or not would make more sense?

I would not see anything noble in following a common religion for instance. You may be sincere but again it cost you nothing. To me having the courage of your convictions in the face of opposition is what counts. Don't you agree?