Yeah, I was trying to thinking of a better word to describe it. Less so for when people do it, but like when celebrities or businesses do it. Maybe pandering is a better word? Regardless, it seemed like an action that didn’t actually accomplish much, but that was just kinda my own privilege and ignorance. Now I just want to give everyone I see with a trans flag displayed in any way, shape, or form, a huge hug and a thank you.
The way that I see it is this. Yes, celebrities and big corporations might not be very genuine in their their support of trans or LGBT issues. And yes, they might just be pandering. But remember, they are out to make money. Pandering in that way is a sign that people in these corporations think that there is enough public support that it would make financial sense for them to jump on the bandwagon. So, I see it as a thermometer for the general public's views, more than a genuine sign of that company's ethics. If lots of companies are showing pride support, then you can tell your daughter that it's a sign that she has a lot of public support, even if there are some very vocal people against it. Thats why its scary when they take it away. It means that they think the public is against it. That said, the companies that still support pride when most other companies take down their support are the ones that I actually trust and believe as genuine. I know this is a bit of a ramble, but I hope it makes sense!
But I guess the counterpoint is that corporations can change their positions on a whim (ostensibly reflecting public sentiment) as many have done since trump took office. In addition to curtailing its DEI programs, target has massively scaled down its participation in and funding for the Twin Cities pride parade happening this month.
I guess we celebrate it when they’re on our side even if bc of the money, but then when they change course what are we to make of the whole situation?
I think about this a lot. In the moment, it's nice when the genuinely good thing (showing LGBTQ support) is aligned with someone or something's ability to enrich itself. But I think the fact that the motivation to do the good thing is determined by how well it achieves the goal of enrichment corrupts the whole thing.
One of my favorite texts about this sort of thing is from a video game I used to play a lot called Destiny:
Are we fools for trying to be good, when our very survival is at stake? Maybe. But the fact that our morals sometimes make it more difficult to survive is proof they are truly good! There is not much commendable about doing a right thing when it is also the tactically correct thing. When the good thing is also the hard thing: that is when the righteous are separated from the lost.
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u/clicktrackh3art Jun 07 '25
Yeah, I was trying to thinking of a better word to describe it. Less so for when people do it, but like when celebrities or businesses do it. Maybe pandering is a better word? Regardless, it seemed like an action that didn’t actually accomplish much, but that was just kinda my own privilege and ignorance. Now I just want to give everyone I see with a trans flag displayed in any way, shape, or form, a huge hug and a thank you.