I have observed an increasing rise in virtue-signalling behaviour in conversations about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). As a facilitator, it is a source of concern as it demonstrates indifference in an attempt to distance from the conversation because due to being “one of the good ones”. When people engage in this behaviour, they are using it as a licence for abdication, prioritising appearances over genuine actions and meaningful engagement.

Merriam-Webster describes virtue signalling as “the act or practice of conspicuously displaying one’s awareness of and attentiveness to political issues, matters of social and racial justice, etc., especially instead of taking effective action”.

In conversations about JEDI, virtue signalling takes a number of forms and it can usually be disguised in comments that aim to demonstrate how one is inherently just, equitable and inclusive of minorities. Some of the comments I have personally heard participants make in workshops include:

• “I don’t see colour, I just see people”

• “I have so many [insert race/ethnicity] friends”

• “I have such a multicultural family, and [family member] is married to someone from [insert race/ethnicity] background”

• “My kids are lucky to go to such a multicultural school, my son’s best friend is a gorgeous African boy and they just get along so well”

• “Why can’t we all just get along with one another, I don’t understand why we have to even talk about race because it really doesn’t matter what a person’s skin colour is”

• “I don’t have any issues with diversity because I grew up in a family where I was always around [insert race/ethnicity] people”

• “As a progressive person, I support diversity and inclusion, I think we still have so many ignorant people in our society that need this training”

• “It’s so important that we all do our part to make the world a better place, that’s why I sponsor a child in Africa”

• “I really appreciate all cultures, my favourite food is curry and I just love going to my local Indian restaurant”

While some of the above statements may seem innocent at a surface level, e.g., as a person openly showing support for such conversations and the need for many in our society to engage in these conversations, they are at the core an attempt to distance oneself from the issue. By placing issues of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion as something that other less progressive people need to be engaged in, one is effectively abdicating themselves of the responsibility because it is “other people’s problem” to address.

The reality is, achieving justice is not solely about enlightening the ignorant in our society to be more empathic, as some of the above comments may suggest. Justice is an ongoing struggle that requires commitment and active participation from everyone. Bystanders play a powerful role in the fight for justice, and this is evidenced by numerous hate crimes where persecution was only possible through active bystanders, or upstanders, who took action and prioritised justice and truth over the comfort and convenience of turning a blind eye.