virtue signalling
Hollow moral display
Virtue signalling is publicly expressing moral values or opinions primarily to demonstrate one's good character rather than to effect change.
The term is almost always pejorative, implying the speaker cares more about appearing virtuous than being virtuous: His tweet about climate change was pure virtue signalling—he drives an SUV.
Critics use it to dismiss expressions of concern as performative or insincere, though the accusation itself can be a way of deflecting legitimate moral positions.
Pretense of virtue
- performativeDone for appearance's sake
- grandstandingPerforming to impress onlookers
- sanctimonyFeigned moral superiority
- self-righteousnessSmug moral superiority
holier-than-thou · posturing · smugness · tokenism · slacktivism · inauthenticity · superficiality · lip service
Belonging to indigenous group
- identity politicsCollective action via shared characteristics
- cultural capitalPrestige from education and taste
- reputation managementShaping public perception strategically
- community standingOne's social reputation locally
Mass signal transmission
- proclamationFormal public announcement
- flauntingOstentatious display of something
- paradingMarching ceremonially through streets
- showcasingPresenting something prominently
Collective ethical standards
- social conscienceAwareness of societal obligations
- ethical consumptionValues-driven purchasing choices
- social responsibilityDuty to community welfare
- allyshipActive support for marginalized
hypocrisy
Pretense of virtue
- performativeDone for appearance's sake
- grandstandingPerforming to impress onlookers
- sanctimonyFeigned moral superiority
self-righteousness · holier-than-thou · posturing · smugness · tokenism · slacktivism · inauthenticity · superficiality · lip service · armchair activism
tribal affiliation
Belonging to indigenous group
- identity politicsCollective action via shared characteristics
- cultural capitalPrestige from education and taste
- reputation managementShaping public perception strategically
broadcasting
Mass signal transmission
- proclamationFormal public announcement
- flauntingOstentatious display of something
- paradingMarching ceremonially through streets
public morality
Collective ethical standards
- social conscienceAwareness of societal obligations
- ethical consumptionValues-driven purchasing choices
- social responsibilityDuty to community welfare
virtue, virtues, virtuous, virtuously, virtuousness, virtual, virtually, virtuosity, virtuoso