Surplus Enjoyment in Pseudo-Revolutionary Movements

Certain individuals, particularly from privileged backgrounds, engage in a type of thinking that allows them to outwardly display their commitment to inclusion while simultaneously deriving enjoyment from their participation in pseudo-revolutionary movements. This behavior manifests as an exaggerated self-flagellation, where the individual expresses guilt over their privilege and retreats from speaking on issues related to marginalized communities, thus creating a space for others to voice their experiences. This act becomes a source of 'surplus enjoyment,' as they navigate their discomfort with privilege by aligning themselves with socially progressive causes. Instead of confronting their privilege in traditional ways, they seek redemption and a sense of moral superiority in supporting a cause that superficially addresses systemic issues, allowing them to maintain their privileged position while feeling virtuous. This dynamic highlights a critical aspect of consumer society, where engagement in activism can often be commodified, reducing genuine revolutionary intent to a performative act of moral superiority.