Like the ‘I can’t be racist because my friend is black’ argument or the ‘I can’t be homophobic because my friend’s daughter is gay’ rhetoric, words, whether written, read, or said mean nothing when your actions do not align with the ideology that you preach.
Too many people view politics and, with that, values and ideals as a ‘get popular quick’ scheme. They vote tactically, not to get the party they want in power, but to get the people they want to like them/to get ‘in’ with the crowd.
Men who pose as feminists to gain the trust of women. If ‘bell hooks quotes’ falls below ‘How to force a woman into submission’ on your search history, reading feminist literature will not and does not make you a feminist.
In order to be a good person, you have to practice what you preach.
It’s not enough to do the bare minimum, and then sit back and watch oppression unfold because ‘I’ve done my bit now.’
It’s not enough to share one graphic on Instagram advocating for women’s rights because you want to look ‘good’ in the public eye, meanwhile what is going directly into your eyes (and ears, and mind) is the disgusting spiel preached by the likes of Andrew Tate.
World change arises through societal change, and when society is comprised of people [us], it is on us to be the change we want to see in the world.
We are the mirror through which younger generations can find their conscience. We owe it to them to set a good example.
Portfolio of Hope 