Driven by the Fear of Consequences
Underlying much performative politics is fear of consequences for displaying the “wrong” opinions. In today’s polarized climate, mob justice and career cancellation can swiftly meet dissent on social media.

Self-preservation demands conformity to the acceptable orthodoxy. But coerced alignment breeds secret resentment, not meaningful change.

When Superficiality Detracts from Authentic Advocacy
Inauthentic politics undermines real advocacy. Social media theatrics draw attention away from genuine grassroots efforts addressing injustice through action rather than empty slogans.

And the more keyboard activism becomes associated with superficial virtue signaling, the more even legitimate displays of solidarity lose potency.

Restoring the Conditions for Open Inquiry
For any meaningful evolution of perspectives to occur, we must restore safety for good-faith dissent, debate, and questioning of majority stances. Bullying ideological opponents into silence only breeds echo chambers, it does not change hearts nor minds.

On sensitive issues, we must allow space for nuance, context, and growth without instantly vilifying apparent wrongthink. Mass shaming rarely converts, it just intimidates conformity.

Valuing Consistency and Commitment over Outrage
On an individual level, consistency and commitment over time reveal true conviction more than reactionary outrage at headline controversies.

Posting an infographic on Stop Asian Hate once a year requires little sacrifice. But calling out microaggressions against colleagues in daily life demands authentic courage.

Nuanced Discourse as an Antidote to Polarization
Ultimately, reversing the harmful tribalism plaguing public discourse requires nuance, compassion, and courage to have complex dialogues. We must see the humanity in those with different lived experiences to find common purpose.

But this first requires abandoning facades and speaking individual truths, even at risk of disapproval. With honesty and empathy, we can nurture diversity of thought while still condemning clear injustice.