Recently on Facebook a bunch of people changed their profile pictures to an equal sign to show that they are really super serial about supporting gay rights. I snarked "Remember when we all turned our profile photos green on Twitter and then the Iranians were free forever? Hooray slacktivism!" This prompted a flood of criticism for daring to suggest that one's moral posturing does little to make change happen.
Liam Julian was similarly annoyed and had some smart thoughts on the matter:
Facebook loves affirmation, and this, really, gets to the heart of the matter. No doubt most whose profile pictures now burst pink and red were themselves bursting with good intentions when they made the swap, but they might consider the basic cheapness of their gesture.
Let’s be real: The broad majority of those who adopted HRC’s photo had, theretofore, not lifted a finger on behalf of gay marriage. And when they did lift a finger, that’s all they did—lift a finger and click the mouse a few times.
Which is not to say one can support a political cause only if he works for it 24/7. But what percentage of those with HRC profile pictures have spent even a few minutes reading intelligently about the gay marriage debate, e-mailing their elected representatives, donating to gay-marriage support groups, or listening to this week’s oral arguments? These, alas, are largely private pursuits, and they don’t come with public validation in the form of positive comments and "likes."
As Liam notes elsewhere in his post, Facebook doesn't do nuance. What, exactly, should I post if I support gay marriage but think imposing it upon an almost-but-not-quite ready population by judicial fiat would be a national disaster? What if I think SCOTUS should strike DOMA down but uphold Prop 8? Which handy symbol should I claim? ≠? ±? ˘?
But hey, you Facebook warriors! I'm glad you feel good about yourselves! Way to go, guys! You showed all those people in your Facebook feed how righteous you are. I'm sure that'll sway John Roberts.
Update: Totally forgot to include this video. I stand with Kramer.