A Developing Thesis: The Forgotten + Performative Empowerment
Why we only cheer for the "safe ones", and what that says about us
If your idea of “empowerment” is only ever cheering for those way below you on the ladder - people who pose no threat to your success, I have news for you: that’s not as generous as you might think. And if that hits a nerve, sit with it. Some of you will know exactly what I’m talking about.
This started for me in the dance world, and I see it now more than ever in the social media and creative industries. We love to celebrate someone who’s already “made it.” We praise the underdog just starting out. Both feel easy. Safe. But what about everyone in the middle?
What about the artists showing up every day, creating work that doesn't go viral, auditioning again and again, taking your classes, supporting your work, trying to level up? The ones grinding with consistency, discipline, and heart, but not yet crowned as “successful”?
Too often, they get skipped. Maybe it’s:
“They don’t need encouragement, they’re doing fine.”
“They already have a following.”
“They’re trying too hard, it’s cringe.”
Or maybe you do like what they’re doing… but you just don’t say anything.
But here’s the thing: if you like something - tell them.
It’s wild how quickly some people forget they were once exactly there. Trying. Hoping. Unknown. And until someone took a chance on them - followed, liked, shared, cast them, hired them - they stayed stuck in that middle space. Talent is powerful, but let’s not kid ourselves: luck, timing, and someone seeing you are what truly open doors.
Thankfully, good people do exist — and so the cycle continues: show up, grow, be seen, get chosen. But that middle part? It’s often the loneliest.
Here’s a list of “the forgotten”, the people in the middle:
Actors auditioning weekly but not booking the big roles
Employees quietly mentoring others while waiting for a promotion
Musicians playing to small rooms, building real audiences
Graduates still job hunting after doing “everything right”
Designers working tirelessly without being stocked anywhere
Writers pitching their hearts out, hearing mostly silence
People who left one path and haven’t “made it” in the new one
Freelancers juggling side jobs to fund their dream
Directors shooting passion projects between paid gigs
And this is just in the creative space - because that’s what I’ve lived. In these industries, hierarchy often whispers: “Only clap when it’s safe. Only support when it’s trending.”
But here’s what I’ve learned:
If you only uplift beginners or those who can benefit you, you might need to explore why your self-worth feels so attached to where others stand.
If you’ve forgotten what that “middle” felt like — how deeply it mattered when someone saw you — maybe it’s time to remember.
I’ve spent most of my young adult life in this space. From the outside, people assumed I had it made, followers, a few acting credits, living overseas. But in truth, I woke up every day hoping someone would take a chance on me. The dream’s still unfolding. And every message I get, every comment where someone says “this hit me” — fills my cup.
So let this be a reminder: externalise your support.
Say the thing.
Cheer mid-process.
Back people before they “make it.”
It’s free. It’s powerful. And it matters more than you think.
Ok bye x