Performative Wokeness

[Sexnotgender]

I’m a member of a women’s only Facebook group and a member asked about a microaggression someone had suggested her daughter had committed. The woman didn’t really get it and asked WOC in the group what they thought.

All fine so far.

What we actually got instead of WOC responding was an onslaught of performative wokeness from white members.

There were a few white members who clearly weren’t familiar with microaggression and I just thought this shitshow isn’t going to help them get it. It was so aggressive and smug and sneering.

The few WOC who got a chance to comment before comments were turned off very succinctly explained why what the daughter said was unacceptable and how it’s really not ok.

And your aibu is?

Is WOC the new BAME? Presumably MOCs and POCs is used for male and mixed groups.

Is WOC the new BAME?

It's perfectly acceptable on a women only FB page.

@MojoMoon

And your aibu is?

That the aggressive performative wokeness from white commentators isn’t actually helpful.

If anyone is new to microaggressions then aggressive, smug, sneering posts don’t help ‘educate’ them.

@LaureBerthaud

Is WOC the new BAME?

It's perfectly acceptable on a women only FB page.

Yes it’s a woman only space.

Indeed. There's a lot this right here on MN too.

YANBU.

That the aggressive performative wokeness from white commentators isn’t actually helpful.

Of course its not. White people dominating a conversation about minority issues is just another way of white people dominating the narrative. Unfortunately, many white people seem to be unable to control themselves.

Have a look at this. If you're not happy to click a random link then Google "How to be a woke white person", the video is on the "awaken with JP" YouTube channel. He takes the piss out of everyone and is usually spot on when pointing out some of the absurdities of modern life.

Thanks FOJN, very amusing.

@Sexnotgender

aggressive performative wokeness

at the risk of backlash can someone explain to me what this means?

Thanks

[quote fatgirlslimmer]@Sexnotgender

aggressive performative wokeness

at the risk of backlash can someone explain to me what this means?

Thanks[/quote]
No backlash from me.

It was basically aggressively shouting down people who didn’t really understand it. Telling them how stupid and embarrassing they were and they needed to ‘do better’.

Rather than (a) letting the WOC speak and explain why it was unacceptable or (b) calmly explaining why it was not ok.

It was like a competition to see who could be the most woke. In doing so drowning out the actual useful posts from the WOC who so kindly took the time to explain their points.

Its challenging because i personally dont believe that it should always be the affected group (whether thats BAME, lgbt, disabled people etc) that have to fight for their rights. We know that certain groups are more likely to listen to people they see as peers eg. In order for equal rights among women in the work place then we need men to speak up and challenge misogynistic practices, not just women. Change often needs to happen within the group, other wise you can be dismissed as being an angry outsider. Theres obviously a fine line between that and "mainsplanning"

Im in a protected group, and sometimes people will say things that arent okay, or ask me in "isnt it ridiculous that people find xyz offensive" way. It takes a lot of resources to challenge that, and sometimes its hard to do if you feel you arent in the right position eg want to be accepted by the group, dont have seniority etc. Sometimes i just dont have the mental space or emotional resilience on that day to be able to explain. Queer labour is a thing where people come to you as a token queer person and expect you to educate them/validate them or whatever. I imagine that happens to other groups too, and it can be exhausting.

Especially difficult now as people are throwing around woke as an insult.

So yes to being a good ally
No to speaking over people

I totally agree @Gatr, there’s a lot of emotional labour involved.

It absolutely shouldn’t be the oppressed group only doing the work.

My issue is with the aggressive, ridiculous performance wokeness that is totally counterproductive.

It turns people away who maybe aren’t familiar with the issue as it’s vitriolic and ridiculous. I’m sure there were many women who really could have learnt something from that post but the point was lost.

[quote FOJN]Have a look at this. If you're not happy to click a random link then Google "How to be a woke white person", the video is on the "awaken with JP" YouTube channel. He takes the piss out of everyone and is usually spot on when pointing out some of the absurdities of modern life.

[/quote] it's irritating truth for some people but this guy does make some valid points with virtual signalling among others.

I've seen this too, OP and I left several professional FB groups because of it. It's very American, although it seems to be seeping across borders.

It reminds me of the awful 'magical black character' trope described here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_Negro

I've seen this too, OP and I left several professional FB groups because of it. It's very American, although it seems to be seeping across borders.

It’s a global group and I think the majority of the aggressive posts were from American women.

Haha, 61% think performative wokeness is ok apparently 😂

I think I must be in the same group as you. IIRC it started as a UK based group but membership is now global with a huge number in the US.

It could have been a really interesting discussion that frankly descended into sweary namecalling from what I saw.

@Fantasisa

I think I must be in the same group as you. IIRC it started as a UK based group but membership is now global with a huge number in the US.

It could have been a really interesting discussion that frankly descended into sweary namecalling from what I saw.

Hair group?

Yes it could have been a really interesting discussion. A shame that the great information was drowned out by idiots shouting at each other.

I didn’t post I just watched it unfold like a car crash in front of me!

Yes. I didn't post either and tbh didn't read it too closely once I saw the bunfight. I couldn't believe it when one seemingly white poster accused someone of not being black enough and therefore her viewpoint (contrary to the woke viewpoint) didn't matter!

Wokeness is the natural evolution of not being allowed to have an opinion that doesn’t conform to what has been deemed acceptable. People are so fearful of saying the wrong thing they have to trot out what they have been told is the right answer and say it in capitals to prove its what they think. It is the product of lack of critical thought and fear of the thought police.

Oh god I missed that bit😱 not black enough so her views don’t count? Holy shit.