A friend just wrote "Happy Virtue Signaling Day" on Facebook. The comment "Happy Virtue Signaling Day" in reference to International Women's Day suggests a negative and dismissive view of the observance. Here are some potential implications and criticisms that this comment may be alluding to:

Virtue signaling refers to the perceived outward expression of moral values or progressive views, especially on social media, in order to gain approval from others rather than out of authentic belief. The implication is that some people or organizations publicly celebrate International Women's Day not out of genuine support for women's rights, but to portray themselves as virtuous or progressive.

It suggests that International Women's Day has become more of a symbolic gesture or superficial trend, rather than promoting substantive progress on women's issues. Critics may view some of the messaging and social media posts as empty rhetoric not backed by meaningful action.

There is a perception among some that International Women's Day has become commercialized or co-opted by corporations and brands for marketing purposes, rather than genuinely advancing the feminist cause.

The sarcastic tone implies frustration with what some view as the excessive amplification or overemphasis placed on International Women's Day by mainstream society and media.

More broadly, it reflects a cynical view of activism around gender issues, implying that much of the public support is disingenuous or driven by a desire to virtue signal rather than authentic advocacy.

It's important to note that this is one critical perspective, and many others deeply value International Women's Day as an important annual opportunity to raise awareness about gender equality, celebrate achievements, and catalyze positive social change. As with any observance or cause, there can be genuine differences of opinion about its significance and impact.

     pOEm IWD 2024

A friend's post - "Happy Virtue Signaling Day"

Sarcastic jab at society's shallow celebration

Of International Women's Day

Corporations jump on the bandwagon

Marketing feminist slogans on shirts and mugs

As if selling merch is achieving progress

Social media feeds filled with vacant symbolism

Empty words and recycled inspirational quotes

Hollow platitudes mistaken for activism

Eyes roll at the superficial responses

The commercialization of a serious struggle

Reducing a movement to a trendy hashtag

Yet beneath the cynical cloud, a glint of truth

There are those who fight this battle daily

Chipping away at ingrained injustice

With calloused hands, they lift others up

Prying open doors long locked shut

Demolishing barriers in their path

Unsung heroes giving voice to the voiceless

Extending opportunity's reach wider

An eternal vigil for the disenfranchised

They see beyond the corporate pandering

Piercing the veil of performative gestures

To enact real, lasting societal reform

Their life's work transcends token recognition

Of a single day meant to celebrate progress

They embody the spirit we strive to uphold

Equity, freedom, rights long denied

Not just slogans but an eternal mission

Blazing a trail for all to rise unshackled

(Or let's pray this is so).