At no point was anyone labeled a racist, misogynist or anti-LGBTQ. I actually do have concerns about Airbnb using an opt-in policy for this. However, my point wasn't about "how do I feel about Airbnb's change in policy". Ok, so what was it about:
A guy getting a job at an animal shelter because he thinks it'll help him get laid is virtue signaling. Someone adhering to a religious practice by fasting is virtue signaling. Someone changing their facebook profile pic to have a logo for some cause is virtue signaling. A company prompted by recent events wanting to investigate if there is discrimination on their platform isn't.
Someone adhering to a religious practice by fasting is virtue signaling.
Just to pick a nit, this is only virtue signaling if they rub it in somebody's face. There's almost a whole chapter in the gospels about it, Matthew 6:16:
And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
So a person wanting to promote a cause through their FB profile is "virtue signalling" even if they do it regardless of recent events (let's imagine someone putting up a "stop racism" banner there 5 years ago), but a company doing that when the public eye is on it is not "virtue signalling".
Mhkay.
While I believe one can be genuine in either case, I find it more likely to be "virtue signalling" when it's a company doing something on a hot topic right now.
So a person wanting to promote a cause through their FB profile is "virtue signalling" even if they do it regardless of recent events (let's imagine someone putting up a "stop racism" banner there 5 years ago), but a company doing that when the public eye is on it is not "virtue signalling".
From your response, and others in this thread I'm starting to believe that a lot of people that use the phrase 'virtue signaling' may not actually know what it means.
Comments
At no point was anyone labeled a racist, misogynist or anti-LGBTQ. I actually do have concerns about Airbnb using an opt-in policy for this. However, my point wasn't about "how do I feel about Airbnb's change in policy". Ok, so what was it about:
A guy getting a job at an animal shelter because he thinks it'll help him get laid is virtue signaling. Someone adhering to a religious practice by fasting is virtue signaling. Someone changing their facebook profile pic to have a logo for some cause is virtue signaling. A company prompted by recent events wanting to investigate if there is discrimination on their platform isn't.
Just to pick a nit, this is only virtue signaling if they rub it in somebody's face. There's almost a whole chapter in the gospels about it, Matthew 6:16:
Pedantry because it's important: This is not an opt-in policy, it's an opt-out policy.
So a person wanting to promote a cause through their FB profile is "virtue signalling" even if they do it regardless of recent events (let's imagine someone putting up a "stop racism" banner there 5 years ago), but a company doing that when the public eye is on it is not "virtue signalling".
Mhkay.
While I believe one can be genuine in either case, I find it more likely to be "virtue signalling" when it's a company doing something on a hot topic right now.
From your response, and others in this thread I'm starting to believe that a lot of people that use the phrase 'virtue signaling' may not actually know what it means.
I've read up on it, and you are right: I did not know what it meant (I assumed it was signalling virtue without actually having it).
If Wikipedia article is anything to go by. ;)