Selective Activism: Examining Women’s Responses to Abusers They Like

The growing prominence of social justice movements like #MeToo has brought significant attention to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and abuse. However, these movements have also exposed a complex phenomenon: selective activism—a situation where individuals, including women, may advocate against abuse in general but fail to hold certain abusers accountable if they like or admire them.

This selective approach raises questions about loyalty, power dynamics, and societal conditioning. It becomes especially evident in cases involving influential figures such as celebrities, charismatic leaders, or loved ones. For example, fans of abusive celebrities often rationalize or downplay accusations, citing the individual’s talent, perceived good character, or personal connection to their work. In these scenarios, the public outrage that typically accompanies allegations of abuse is replaced with silence or outright defense, leaving survivors sidelined and silenced.

Why Does Selective Activism Happen?

1. Emotional Investment: Many women may feel personally connected to certain individuals, making it difficult to reconcile their admiration with allegations of abuse.

2. Power and Charisma: Abusers who hold power often manipulate public narratives, fostering loyalty and suppressing dissent.

3. Internalised Misogyny: Patriarchal conditioning may cause some women to empathise with powerful men rather than survivors, reinforcing harmful gender hierarchies.

4. Fear of Social Backlash: Supporting accusations against a beloved figure may lead to ostracisation or ridicule within one's social or professional circles.

The Broader Impact

Selective activism undermines the integrity of social justice movements. It sends a harmful message that some survivors are more deserving of support than others and that personal preferences can dictate accountability. This inconsistency not only discourages survivors from speaking out but also emboldens abusers who realize they may escape scrutiny if they are well-liked.

Addressing the Issue

To counter selective activism, individuals and communities must prioritize principles over personal biases:

- Educate on Accountability: Understanding the dynamics of abuse and manipulation can help dismantle emotional defences for abusers.

- Focus on Survivors: Centering survivor experiences over abuser narratives fosters empathy and ensures consistent support.

- Challenge Power Structures: Hold all individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their influence or popularity.

Selective activism is a symptom of deeply entrenched societal biases. To combat it, we must strive for consistency and fairness, ensuring that justice prevails over personal preferences or public relations campaigns. Only then can we hope to create a society where abuse is universally condemned and survivors are unconditionally supported.

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