Virtue signaling is the conspicuous expression of moral values by an individual done primarily to enhance their standing within a social group. The term was first used in signaling theory, to describe any behavior that could be used to signal virtue – especially piety among the religious faithful. 

Virtue signaling is the new self-righteousness. And self-righteousness is for sissies. 

Every once in a while a term is coined that just has purchase. Political correctness is such a term. Some people hate it, especially if they’re guilty of it. I recall visiting a family member who happened to be the academic dean of a major university in the mid-90s. I used “political correctness” in passing. His face grew red and his voice strained. I knew I had touched a nerve. It also confirmed for me that political correctness is real.

Rent-seeking is another marvelous moniker of opprobrium. (I’m saving that for another time.) But the best one to come along in a while is virtue signaling.

If this is new to you, I assure you I didn’t make it up. It even has a Wikipedia page. Here’s how it is defined there:

Virtue signaling is the conspicuous expression of moral values by an individual done primarily to enhance their standing within a social group. The term was first used in signaling theory, to describe any behavior that could be used to signal virtue – especially piety among the religious faithful. Since 2015, the term has become more commonly used as a pejorative characterization by commentators to criticize what they regard as the platitudinous, empty, or superficial support of socially progressive views on social media.

Delicious, no?

We’ve seen these people before. They’re the Keystone Cops of the gospels. I’m speaking of the Pharisees, naturally.

There truly is nothing new under the sun. So why a new name? I think virtue signaling has the virtue of novelty going for it. It cuts through the defenses.

One defense people use to turn away the accusation of self-righteousness is the erroneous belief that only religious people can be guilty of self-righteousness.

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