We’re not in it for the money (we’re in it for the validation)

Angry condemnation seems empowering; addictively so. The most articulate members of the Social Justice movements can gain (inter)national prominence. Their anger and hurt is validating. They gain respect for their courage and moral strength and their insights on The State of Nation. Their opinions are sought by news outlets. There are reputations and livings to be made, books to be published to acclaim. Of course, the activists themselves are passionately sincere and have genuine grievances to air, but disadvantage, skin-colour and anger is being monetised, is being leveraged, and not just by the far-right. It is in some people’s interest to emphasise conflict, rather than boring old reconciliation, discrimination rather than attempts to be friends, social dysfunction rather than community.