How Our Good Intentions Can Become Tokenistic

Online global movements play a significant role in challenging dominant perspectives and shifting the oppressive systems deeply rooted in our society. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge how often these movements are reduced to fleeting trends, frequently adopted for performative reasons rather than genuine change.

Social media has enabled these movements to grow rapidly, but they also burn out just as quickly. Many of these movements, which have been fighting against injustices for years, are suddenly highlighted by a few viral hashtags—and then just as swiftly, they disappear.

The issue isn't with the movements themselves but with our failure to stay true to our intentions. Social media has made activism accessible, offering a space for those who might not engage in traditional forms of activism. It connects people globally, generating awareness about critical political, social, and environmental issues. But while online activism raises awareness, it also raises concerns about the legitimacy of those engaging in these trends.

Too often, those in privileged positions exploit these movements for personal benefit, unintentionally undermining the very causes they claim to support.

WHAT IS THE INTENTION IF THERE IS NO ACTION?

Online activism is a vital resource for people who can’t participate in traditional forms of activism, such as those with physical disabilities. It provides a safe space for learning and engagement, offering an entry point to global issues. For many, without these platforms, exposure to certain causes would be limited. Storytelling, in particular, can foster awareness and inspire others to join these movements.

But beyond the initial engagement, there must be active participation.

The problem arises when people stop at sharing a hashtag or post, failing to take further steps to deepen their understanding or commitment. Without ongoing learning and critical engagement, these movements risk becoming tokenistic trends rather than vehicles for meaningful change.

SLACKTIVISM: A TREND WITHOUT IMPACT

Slacktivism, defined as "supporting a cause through minimal effort, such as social media posts or petitions," is an ongoing issue. It involves participating in a trend to feel good about oneself without making a real impact. Many raise awareness, retweet, and empathize, but when the trend fades, they return to their privileged lives, unaware that this disengagement perpetuates the very issues they momentarily supported.

Posting a hashtag might show support, but it often amounts to doing the bare minimum. Many individuals, especially those with privilege, jump on these trends to enhance their image. Once they’ve posted, they feel they’ve fulfilled their obligation to fight for human rights for the year. Yet, these movements aren’t checklists to be ticked off—they require ongoing commitment.

THE PRIVILEGED CONTRADICTIONS

One glaring issue with these trends is the contradiction in the actions of privileged individuals. For example, in Australia, the same issues highlighted by the global Black Lives Matter movement have been present since the country’s colonial past. White Australians, however, often fail to engage with these issues within their own borders. Indigenous Australians have been fighting for recognition and justice for years, yet where is their global movement?

Privilege allows people to be selective in the issues they engage with. They choose topics that won’t disrupt their comfort, thus continuing imperialistic mindsets. This selective engagement suggests that many are participating only in trending movements, not because of genuine solidarity but because it is popular or expected.

It will be telling to reassess the Black Lives Matter movement in Australia during the next Australia Day. How many people who pledged online solidarity will still celebrate a national day that excludes and oppresses Indigenous people? The contradiction is not only predictable but reflective of a broader pattern of superficial support for social justice.

WHAT CAN WE DO MOVING FORWARD?

So, how do we move beyond online trends to create meaningful change?

Posting online is just one step in the process of contributing to social movements. We must go further by actively listening to marginalized voices, learning from their experiences, and educating ourselves on our role in perpetuating or dismantling these systems. Real change requires challenging dominant narratives, disrupting oppressive behaviors, and being unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths—even if it means upsetting those around us.

Activism is not meant to be comfortable. It is a lifelong process of learning, reflection, and accountability. We must continue to engage critically with these issues in our everyday lives, well beyond the trends. We must unite in solidarity with all oppressed peoples, recognizing our privilege and using it to amplify marginalized voices rather than overshadow them.

The journey toward recognizing and dismantling privilege is ongoing and requires continuous effort. It’s not enough to engage with these movements when they are trending; we must commit to staying uncomfortable and accountable.

Slacktivism doesn’t solve anything. Action does.

ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW:

Lillian Ahenkan: www.flexmami.com

Ally Henny: www.allyhenny.com

Ericka Hart: www.ihartericka.com

The Conscious Kid: www.theconsciouskid.org

No White Saviours: www.instagram.com/nowhitesaviors

Check Your Privilege: www.instagram.com/ckyourprivilege

Mireille Cassandra Harper: www.instagram.com/mireillecharper

Blackfulla Revolution: www.facebook.com/ourcountryourchoice