One of the annual traditions of the Academy Awards is the rampant social signaling that takes place from the oppressed millionaire celebrities. Everything from red carpet interviews to color-coded ribbons have been employed to “raise-awareness” for pet causes. This year those barely-active activist attempts get even more tepid. Introducing: The Tuxedos Against Oppression!

As most know Hollywood has been rocked by the ever-evolving sex scandals being reported. From Harvey Weinstein on down executives, celebrities, and production players have been snared in problems resulting from their past sexual aggressions. And right on cue, given a newsworthy issue that can be used to highlight themselves, celebrities will be raising awareness to a cause everyone already knows about.

Actresses have announced that at this year’s Golden Globes ceremony they will be wearing black dresses. This is said to be in retaliation of the sexual predatory activity in the industry.  “All female actresses attending the Globes are protesting by just wearing black gowns,” reported People Magazine. (As Weinstein victim, actress Rose McGowan, acerbically pointed out — “Actresses, like Meryl Streep, who happily worked for The Pig Monster, are wearing black @GoldenGlobes in a silent protest. YOUR SILENCE is THE problem.”)

Not to be overshadowed, a squadron of actors have come forward and state they are…uh, following suit. Celebrity designer Iliaria Urbinanti declares clients will be making a radical move:  “YES the men WILL be standing in solidarity with women on this wearing all-black movement to protest against gender inequality at this year’s Golden Globes. At least ALL MY GUYS will be.”

There’s a bold strategy. Given that at any awards ceremony the bulk of men are wearing black tuxedos the move to adorn men in black tuxedos may almost be noticed! Seriously, could there be a way for an actor to do less towards helping a cause? In this wan effort to raise awareness there is a high probability that no one will even be aware, given it will look like every other awards ceremony prior.

That anyone thinks this may have even the most tangential effect on the cause is precious. Think it through. Say there is a boss somewhere, who has the desire to grab a handful of his secretary’s posterior; how reticent will he become and ultimately curtail acting upon his urges when he comes to the realization that in the formal wear retailer Matt Damon said, “No, let’s go with the black one instead”???

Ladies — the lecherous cross-hairs on your physique have been removed, thanks to the Armani Onyx collection!

With all of the scandals breaking throughout Dream Land the entire industry has been back on it heels. What has been tacitly revealed is the way these sexual crimes were tolerated, excused, and/or accepted by a wide swath of celebrities and workers, so woven as they are into the business practices. Many of those who attempt to be vocal today are easily dismissed, given the level of silence they displayed.

It was only a few Oscar ceremonies ago when they attempted to forward the supposedly caring #IWillIntervene effort, a cause to step in on behalf of sex abuse victims. However after congratulating themselves that night for being so caring we have come to learn little was ever done, because few cared to take action. Leaving the menacing executives in power was their choice. Now once again these guilty parties will pretend at one of their biggest parties that they lead the cause of caring.

These impotent activists will be preening before the world, parading their concern as if it were a tangible entity and not mere symbolic signaling. They may even feel like they are making a difference.

The people with the most vacant morals are naturally drawn to committing empty gestures.