What is the difference between optimism and toxic positivity?

Post date: Sep 02, 2020 4:45:35 PM

A lot of people think that toxic positivity is the result of being overly positive. While that may be true in some cases, toxic positivity can take multiple forms in the realm of communication. Life coach Marc Accetta claims that the two look similar at first glance. This is why we can be toxic about our positivity and not realize it. Reading between the lines and analyzing the situation can reveal a lot more on whether we are just being optimistic or if we are showcasing privilege. This is why it’s important to know the difference between optimism and toxic positivity. Optimism is a positive outlook on any of life’s subjects. Typically, showing optimism is done to uplift a person who is in need of positivity. More often than not, optimism is a personal emotion that can help us in certain negative situations. However, imposing optimism onto others could result in toxic positivity. Toxic positivity refers to the idea of spreading optimism in the guise of self-centered values. One good example of toxic positivity is inspiration porn. Inspiration porn is when we celebrate people with disabilities for being able to do ‘normal’ things. What may be seen as inspirational can be read as marginalizing those with disabilities even further. Toxic positivity can also take the form of appearing to be positive no matter what. This means denying negativity and the situations that give rise to this negativity. According to Marc Accetta, this act delegitimizes the pain points of people by eliminating this factor altogether just to stay positive. It is most apparent in phrases like “good vibes only,” “just stay positive,” and “everything happens for a reason.” For Marc Accetta, facing and overcoming challenges can be done with the right mindset. He is a life coach who helps individuals achieve this through the seminars and workshops he conducts across the country. For more insightful reads on mental health, visit this website.