Token Gestures Are Often Nearly Meaningless

Unfortunately, in our increasingly one-size-fits all society, generalizations have often become the rule, and token gestures have all too often replaced true, effective activity and action. The "Earth Hour" which began in 2007, is held annually before April's Earth Day and Earth Month. During "Earth Hour" celebrations, cities throughout the world turn off their lights for one hour in the evening (In 2010, it was 8:30), to symbolize world unity on addressing and recognizing the significance and importance of conserving energy. While it is certainly a well- intentioned event, and it does bring some added emphasis to the energy challenges, most of the individuals that "pay attention" to the event are already advocates for energy conservation. Those individuals are joined by individuals who want to "be seen" at the event, and those who wish to be "politically correct." However, the event, like many other well-meaning and well-intentioned demonstrations, often "reeks" of hypocrisy and phoniness. When a nation like China, which is generally considered one of the worst polluters, as well as a nation that has demonstrated an unwillingness for meaningful change regarding energy, "joins in" for Earth Hour, and turns off its lights, the true impact of these type of token events really has. Does anyone really believe that merely by turning lights off, some "magic panacea" will occur, and there will no longer be energy or environmental concerns. Participating in an "event" by turning lights off is often simply another rather meaningless gesture, especially when these "events" are telecast around the world, obviously using energy. What makes this almost laughable, if it wasn't somewhat sad, is that most of these "events" are followed by parties, concerts, fireworks, etc.

Many outdoor rock concerts, which espoused love, peace, and other earth responsible slogans, became more of an event because of the large crowds, atmosphere, music, and fun-enhancing activities, than because of any type of true social conscience. One need only remember that Pete Townsend of The Who, came up with the line, "a teenage wasteland," only after witnessing videos of a concert in Europe, where the aftermath was an unbelievable amount of garbage left behind.

In politics, much of the advertising is done along the "token" philosophy, by being careful to include a variety of ethnic groups in advertising, etc. Spokesmen and spokeswomen are often hired using a similar "token" concept. The Wayans Brothers have enjoyed poking fun at the stereotypes and tokenism used in movies and the theater. Rarely do we see an advertisement or television program that doesn't go out of its way to be "politically correct" (P.C.), even when that political correctness is often somewhat meaningless. Ron Howard, the child actor, turned actor and renowned director, recently rejected a request to remove an out of context term, because he felt changing it would be artistically incorrect, as well as out of character for the role that was being portrayed.

Do "token" demonstrations serve any purpose? Theoretically, many do, because they bring attention to an issue. However, often these "token" events merely become events upon themselves, and the actual approach to addressing an important issue is often neglected. The first step is for everyone to recognize an event as a "token" gesture, and that demonstrable action must then come out of the event. Next, if an issue is important enough, a realistic action plan, and continuous follow- up is required.

Unfortunately, the longer the "token" events continue, they begin to become an annual event, and many people merely "ease their conscience" by participating. The energy crisis will not be corrected because of Earth Hour, any more than the environment will be fixed by annual Earth Days, or Earth Months. These token events are great beginnings, but all too often do not progress sufficiently beyond the "token" stage, to the all- important, action and "making real change" stage. We should all appreciate the efforts made by these token gestures, but realize that token gestures enough are never enough!

Tokenism makes little sense, whether it is about social issues, personal issues, theatrical issues, or in any other situation. While many events started to bring attention to an issue, in all too many cases, the event has become "bigger" than the issue. That is the true danger of token gestures!