Post No. 1,487 - an update on virtue signalling: moral purity

Late last year I wrote about the unspiritual, concerning and, frankly, disturbing behaviour described as "virtue signalling" (see here): I've now come across another term used for much the same problem - "moral purity", as in "the quest for", in the sense of being able to demonstrate that more than genuinely having it. Apart from being a trap spiritually, one that sends one sliding backwards, in terms of accomplishing change, it is also a backwards slide - a bit like the old "snakes and ladders" children's board game.

From this article on the groups of attitudes towards the climate crisis:

"We need to find a way to convince the Cautious that urgent action is necessary.
This, very difficultly, often requires language that isn't fraught with tones of crisis. More on this in a moment.
 . . . I've also spent a lot of time wondering about the efficacy of the language around climate change, around emergency, crisis and urgency.
The facts of climate change and the need for rapid response absolutely merit these terms.
 . . . But the language of crisis and emergency can actually turn off those who are Disengaged and Cautious, and make them more critical of attempts to address climate change."

I've written similar warnings about such matters when considering the issue of backlashes - and will be the first to admit how difficult that is, as it leaves those showing the forbearance in greater need of healing.