Virtue Signaling; How do you NOT do it?

submitted by [deleted] from self.AskSaidIt

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[–][deleted] 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (2 children)

The use of symbols that detach the person from the group, such as a flag in the window or a bumper sticker almost seems more of an act of self defence. By displaying the symbol of the current thing, they avoid having to involve themselves with the crowd or be seen as opposition even if they do not strictly hold the views of the group in question. There is destinction between the virtue signaller and the mere appeasers who just need to get by in life without unwanted hassle. Although this too does not help in finding common ground.

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Well said UmbrellaCorp, it does seem like this symbolism is often used in a defensive fashion, and I think you are right that there are distinct categories of virtue signalers. These don't seem like the actions of someone trying to find common ground to me either, although I am hard pressed to come up with a concise one liner to distinguish between these things

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Could we agree that anyone who voices support in conversation, debate or discussion in good faith without determent to the argument could be seen as not being a virtue signaller?

Therefore knowingly and/or willingly voicing what is typically bias arguments to disrupt a topic in bad faith, potentially in unprovoked self defence, with the only benefit being to be seen to voice said argument and irrationally so in favour of a single group with no regard for another's views, would be on the side of virtue signalling?