Matthew Yglesias has written more critically about this tendency (which he thinks is widely followed in activist circles, but is often detrimental). For example, here he describes what he refers to as “activist chum”, which is good for motivating and fundraising (very important for the self-interest of (those leading) movement), but can lead to focusing on “wins” that aren’t meaningful and may be unhelpful.
The chum comes from the following political organizing playbook that is widely followed in progressive circles:
Always be asking for something.
Ask for something of someone empowered to give it to you.
Ask for something from someone who cares what you think.
Matthew Yglesias has written more critically about this tendency (which he thinks is widely followed in activist circles, but is often detrimental). For example, here he describes what he refers to as “activist chum”, which is good for motivating and fundraising (very important for the self-interest of (those leading) movement), but can lead to focusing on “wins” that aren’t meaningful and may be unhelpful.