Avoiding the Trapdoor of Performative Engagement

GET TO WORK

LaShauna Austria
March 15, 2025

Understanding the Problem

March 21st, 2025 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. When we talk about distinguishing between genuine action and performative engagement, especially when observing days that seemingly raise social consciousness about racism and injustice, we're highlighting a critical difference between intent and impact. Performative engagement focuses on tokenism, superficiality, and self-promotion, whereas moving towards meaningful action includes an emphasis on education, accountability and a sustained effort.

Performative engagement takes many forms, but some common manifestations of this problematic happening can look like:

Focus on Appearance
- This type of engagement prioritizes how an individual or organization is perceived. It's about signaling alignment with a cause, often without deep commitment. Examples include:
  - Trendy social media posts that lack substance.
  - Superficial statements of solidarity.
  - One-time events that don't lead to lasting change.
Lack of Substantive Change
- Performative actions rarely address the systemic roots of racism. They may acknowledge the problem, but they don't tackle the underlying structures that perpetuate it.
- This can create a false sense of progress, while real inequalities persist.
Potential for Harm
- Performative actions can be harmful by:
  - Diverting attention and resources from genuine efforts.
  - Creating a sense of complacency, as if the problem has been solved.
  - Further alienating communities who have historically and continue to be furthest from justice and can see through the superficiality.

Genuine action is driven by a desire to create real change. It's about dismantling racist systems and promoting equity. And this means a true commitment to the work; it’s a long game. Folks of color have carried the burden of fighting for justice; white folks need to step up and stay in it - - not just when there is media outcry or when it is trendy to do so. It’s past time to Get To Work.

We invite you to reflect on this month’s content offerings, identify ways to engage, commit to the engagement, and stay in community to do the work.

Deconstructing Performative Allyship and Moving Towards Co-Conspiratorship

See, the allure of allyship often obscures its true essence — a facade of support that crumbles under the weight of systemic oppression, fatigue, and fleeting attention spans. Hence, my frustrations with performative allyship run deep, having witnessed numerous instances where allies opportunistically co-opted and exploited our struggles only to conveniently abandon us when the spotlight dimmed. This perpetual cycle of betrayal and abandonment fuels pervasive disillusionment and mistrust, further entrenching the power dynamics that underpin white supremacy. It’s long overdue for “allies” to transcend empty gestures and embrace genuine solidarity grounded in tangible action and unwavering accountability.

The Problem with Performative Activism: When Support Becomes a Costume

If your activism disappears when the cameras do, was it ever real?

I have seen this over and over again: people who publicly champion a cause but act in opposition to it when it actually matters. The colleague who wears a rainbow pin but still avoids sitting next to the only openly gay coworker. The ‘anti-racist’ activist who only acknowledges the struggles of minorities when they’re politically useful. The company that launches a diversity campaign while quietly making life hell for employees of colour behind closed doors.

America Voted for Racism—Again. Black Folks, Keep Calm and Carry On . . .

Dear White Liberal Voters,
Welcome to the America Black people have always known. Today, you’re in shock. You’re processing that 74% of white men and 69% of white women voted for Trump and that nearly half of Latino men and 40% of Latinas did the same. And yes, we're still here for what feels like the millionth time. But Black voters—the only monolithically voting racial demographic that didn’t, or almost didn't, vote for Trump—aren’t surprised. To us, it’s just another day in AmeriKKKa.

If aspects of your identity are not on the “watch” list, how do you intend to take action?

These Words Are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration

Federal agencies have issued guidance to employees on hundreds of terms to limit or avoid using. An analysis of government websites shows many of the same words being removed.

❝

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Do not
be afraid

Of this world
falling
apart.

Listen
to the birds

To springtime

Telling us,
"Believe

In yourselves.”

-------

Digs

Seeds of Change Happenings

Free Peer Support Session: Wednesday, April 9th @12pm

By coming together, sharing our experiences, and leaning on one another, we can build resilience and create a network of support in the face of these oppressive forces. These sessions will provide a safe and confidential space to connect with others who understand the challenges we face, to share our stories, and to find strength in collective action.

In the Media

How to Start Making Change With Those You'd Rather Cancel

Black feminist and reproductive justice organizer Loretta J. Ross has spent decades dealing with people she fundamentally disagrees with, starting with an encounter she had as a young sexual assault survivor. She was working as a rape counselor when she received a letter from a convicted rapist asking to visit him in prison because he wanted to learn how to not be a rapist. At first she was enraged but then decided to meet him.

White People Work

White people work is a podcast designed to help white folks come to better understand themselves and grow in taking responsibility for their presence in the world. While white folks and their growth in awareness and responsibility is the primary focus, folks of color are encouraged to be a part of this journey and speak into it. Season one will have ten episodes, each with Scott answering a different question related to race and whiteness. Music is performed, recorded, and mixed by Scott Hall, mastered by Erin Hamilton.

Local Event

Creating moments of joy in nature

Kindred Seedlings Farm is hosting a community dinner to fundraise for Benevolence Farm's annual beach trip. This beach trip is often the first or first-in-a-long-time experience in nature for formerly incarcerated people who call Benevolence Farm home after prison and jail.

This year, Kindred Seedlings Farm wants to raise enough funds so that staff and residents can stay two nights, on the beach, with food and transportation included. Join us as we create healing opportunities with nature over a meal made with love.

To learn more about Benevolence Farm's annual beach trip, check out this article here: https://benevolencefarm.org/summer-on-the-farm/

Orgs to Follow

Home | American Civil Liberties Union

The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.

Lawyers for Good Government

Our mission is to protect and strengthen democratic institutions, resist abuse of power and corruption, and defend the rights of those who suffer in the absence of good government. Join us.

"In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist."

Angela Davis

Seeds of Change Consulting

We are a diverse and passionate team of sector experts and rising stars, united by a shared commitment to social and economic justice. We are a community of professionals deeply dedicated to advancing racial equity, collective liberation, and transformative change.