Virue signalling

I agree Day 6, virtue signallers tend to take the moral high ground. They may actually do something, as opposed to just talk about it, but what they do is always widely broadcast and always the politically correct thing to do, be it charity (always to the most and latest trendy charity), monetary collection (walking barefoot to the North Pole to raise money trumps a sordid street collection) or march (and the poster for the march will remain on their front room window for years), activity (boycotting Nestle because of African babies was once the cause celebre of such people, now you never hear of it), or their knowledge of exactly which current cause carries the greatest moral weight.

The best virtue signallers are careful not to be hypocritical so they may take expensive train journeys as opposed to flying but they make sure you know it; they're always on the board of a charity, not just a supporter and their children are always scrupulously good at being virtuous junior members of the adult virtue signalling clan (Naomi played her cello for 24 hours and wore her fingertips to a shred all to raise money for Syrian babies don't you know)!! I'm exaggerating slightly but I have come across such people!

I am not a fan of the virtue-signaller either.

They tend to take the moral high ground, in an attempt to impress others with their virtue. None can match them, but they need your admiration when they proclaiming their worthiness.

Yes, M0nica, Emma Thompson is a prime example. In the past we have had Sting, Bono, Lenny Henry and Lily Allan being seen in areas of ...well, whatever event is current...displaying their anger or indignity, and worthiness. They are all 'holier than thou' when it suits them. Then they bugger off in their limos or private jets.

You can go off people, can't you?

I didn't know about George Michael's caring and giving nature until he died. I believe Keano Reeves is a very modest superstar who donates lots and does all sorts of good deeds without the need for acclaim or publicity.

esther you have got it one, that is my definition of virtue signalling

It also applies to being superiorly politically correct. All those luvvies (Emma Thompson) flying to the UK from California (and back) to be seen at the ER march, is a classic example of virtue signalling.

Virtue signalling is one thing but I can do without the Thought Police.

I have pondered the phrase ‘Virtue Signalling’ and I interpret it as something one of my friends does constantly, ie she sympathises loudly about ‘the homeless’ ‘the refugees’ ‘the poor’ etc - and posts her caring thoughts on Facebook. All well and good, but is it done albeit unintentionally, to make herself look like an especially caring person? She doesn’t actually DO anything constructive towards the plights of the unfortunates. I wonder if this is ‘Virtue Signalling’ ie observe what a virtuous individual she is! Or am I being mean? feel free to comment, but ‘talk is cheap’ as the old saying goes.

One persons "sharing" could be another's "virtual signalling"

Surely it is how others interpret actions/deeds and the telling of such things?

I think a lot of us have done great things towards others in our lifetime but wouldn't dream of making a big thing of it. I wouldn't anyway, simply because I'm not that way inclined.

I think it is a bad thing when people boast/brag and also sad that they feel the need to be recognised in this way.