Don’t Stay Silent
Don’t be a bystander by staying silent; it’s essential to be active instead of passive. When marginalized communities are silent, you should make it part of your duty to amplify their voices and let them be heard. Being an activist or ally is about bringing change in your own community, whichever and wherever it may be. This can include educating your friends and family, for example. Letting them know how to stand for and support underrepresented minorities like Asians is a first step to limiting racism.
What to Avoid: Performative Activism
Performative activism is a form of activism that is done for a person’s own gain, an example being the simple act of reposting or sharing a post on social media platforms but expressing no genuine support for the movement. Although performative activism does disseminate information on real-world issues in a timely manner, it usually comes through as a lackluster attempt to provide genuine support. Posts that are classified as performative activism usually do not have a call to action and many times involve elements that are seen to be chasing for clout. People who do activism performatively often do so to hop on the trend or avoid being penalized for not speaking up instead of actually trying to help the issue. After all, our words only mean so much until we support them with our actions.
What Can You Do Instead of Performative Activism?
Instead of performative activism, you can reevaluate your beliefs and examine your values and what they stand for. If you feel strongly about a belief, take your actions beyond social media and make a difference. Don’t jump on the bandwagon because everyone else is posting the same photo. Don’t hide behind the comfort of your screen. Make an effort to become an activist, engage in uncomfortable yet vital conversations, and let your voice be heard.
What Can You Do Instead of Performative Activism?
Instead of performative activism, you can reevaluate your beliefs and examine your values and what they stand for. If you feel strongly about a belief, take your actions beyond social media and make a difference. Don’t jump on the bandwagon because everyone else is posting the same photo. Don’t hide behind the comfort of your screen. Make an effort to become an activist, engage in uncomfortable yet vital conversations, and let your voice be heard.
What Can You Do After You Post and Share?
Social media is just one way to amplify your voice and raise awareness. Signing petitions is another way to spark change—it only takes a few minutes to sign them and make a difference. There are also many ways to donate to those in need, via GoFundMes or other funds and fundraisers. It is easy for false news and information to spread on social media, so it’s best to find the correct information so you can educate your friends and family accordingly. The most efficient way that every person can do to help Asians, as well as others, during this difficult time is to educate yourself and others. It takes every person to fight the coronavirus and racism pandemics.