Can we talk about dog leash laws without virtue signaling?
Pointing out that someone is virtue signaling can be a genuine critique of their behavior… but it can also be a lazy attempt to dismiss their arguments without consideration.
Virtue signaling:
Oxford Languages (labeled derogatory): the public expression of opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s good character or social conscience or the moral correctness of one’s position on a particular issue.
Wikipedia: Virtue signalling is the act of expressing opinions or stances that align with popular moral values, often through social media, with the intent of demonstrating one’s good character.
Helpful Professor: ... actions that are more about posturing and impression management than actual action.
Last week an Instagram commenter said I was virtue signaling on a post about off-leash dogs in on-leash areas. This is not that uncommon of a reaction. The “leash your dog” conversation continues to be more controversial than my past self ever imagined—I’m not entirely sure what other stuff (defensiveness, resenting urban restrictions overall, the struggle to read tone online?) comes up for people here, but the responses often seem bigger than the topic itself.
