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Virtue signalling

(45 Posts)
M0nica Tue 13-Oct-15 17:50:16

This is a concept defined in The Spectator this week.
new.spectator.co.uk/2015/10/i-invented-virtue-signalling-now-its-taking-over-the-world/

It is defined as: the way in which many people say or write things to indicate that they are virtuous. One of the examples given is of people who tell you that they hate the Daily Mail or UKIP or similar to indicate they are admirably non-racist, left-wing or open-minded. In this context I could say, 'I do not usually read The Spectator, but....' Thus indicating that I am not naturally right wing in my politics.

As the author points out, by virtue signalling the individual is saved the effort of actually having to do anything virtuous, signalling is enough to create the halo.

It is a fairly short and thought-provoking article. However its main raison d'etre is that it succinctly sums up a phenomena one has often recognised but not, until now, had a word for.

Lona Thu 15-Oct-15 08:59:21

No!! Feel free!!!

Indinana Sun 08-Nov-15 13:29:32

There's a heck of lot of virtue signalling going on on Facebook today wink

Daisyanswerdo Sun 08-Nov-15 13:49:34

I like the phrase: 'I never repeat gossip, so listen carefully the first time.'

jinglbellsfrocks Sun 08-Nov-15 13:58:03

So, how do you express revulsion at something atrocious happening somewhere in the world, without committing "virtuous signalling"? confused

Indinana Sun 08-Nov-15 14:20:41

Good point jings. Though I find it hard to believe in the sincerity of many of the posts, where one after the other posts a picture of a poppy and comment 'Lest we Forget'.
I think social media makes us all lazy - how much easier it is to say 'Happy Birthday' to someone than to go out, buy a card, write it, buy a stamp and post it.
But I take your point - not fair to judge everyone, many of whom are being utterly sincere in wanting to express their feelings.

mollie Sun 08-Nov-15 14:46:37

Haven't read the article BUT this sort of generalisation concerns me if people take it seriously. In another thread I wrote about something I read in The Telegraph - what does that say about me? I 'buy' The Times whenever I go to Waitrose and wonder what anyone who saw (and it's not just me who looks at other people's shopping is it?) would think? Fact is, I like the sudoku in The Times and get it free at Waitrose, and I read all the papers online so The Telegraph is just one of several I browse. I really hate that people think they know about me because of where I shop or by what I read...

Lilygran Sun 08-Nov-15 15:11:10

I don't think expressing concern over something bad that's happened is virtue signalling, jings. I think it's more criticising other people for their 'failings', mainly in political correctness.

rosequartz Sun 08-Nov-15 15:36:56

smugupmanship
That describes me because I won't read The Sun grin

And I repeated a bit of gossip this morning which I have now found is untrue, so I will have to retract that bit of gossip this evening blush
Not feeling very virtuous atm

Ana Sun 08-Nov-15 16:48:59

I don't think it's necessarily criticising anyone else, Lilygran, neither does it need to be anything to do with PC-ness.

It's just sending out messages such as 'I do good deeds', 'I have compassion' and 'see how selfless I am'...

Expressing disgust and revulsion at atrocities is not virtue signalling.

Anniebach Sun 08-Nov-15 16:56:44

So most of us are guilty ?

Ana Sun 08-Nov-15 17:00:28

No. It has to be done in a certain smug and self-satisfied manner.

POGS Sun 08-Nov-15 17:02:42

I watched James Bartholomew being interviewed on the Daily Politics prog. 4/11/15. I don't know how to give links but watch it if you are interested, not just the U Tube clip but his interview with Andrew Neil as well.

I actually think he makes an interesting point and I think the term he created 'Virtue Signalling' is simple to understand and applies to many situations, people I listen to and especially the world of media/PR/ politics/social media.

He is on the money for me and I don't find him at all presumptuous, merely stating an opinion and it's one I agree with.

rosesarered Sun 08-Nov-15 18:00:47

Yes I watched it too, and thought he was absolutely right!

Lilygran Sun 08-Nov-15 20:47:56

This is the definition I'm working on new.spectator.co.uk/2015/04/hating-the-daily-mail-is-a-substitute-for-doing-good/

Ana Sun 08-Nov-15 20:51:26

I love this paragraph! grin

Mild forms of virtue bidding wars have entered daily life. People now sometimes say to each other, ‘Have a great evening!’ These people are effortlessly showing themselves more generous and warm-hearted than those who only wish us a ‘good’ evening. I recently got an email wishing me a ‘fantastic’ evening. What next? ‘Ecstatic’? ‘Orgasmic’?

durhamjen Sun 08-Nov-15 21:00:28

So what about Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall?

thatbags Sun 08-Nov-15 21:32:58

Where does he come into it, dj?

granjura Sun 08-Nov-15 21:55:53

oh ther massive irony of it all - if that article is not pure 'virtue signalling' I don't know what is!

Iam64 Mon 09-Nov-15 08:10:12

grin point well made granjura