A set of institutional or systemic tactics used to neutralize dissent without addressing its substance. The goal is not resolution, but containment.
The Containment Playbook operates by appearing responsive while avoiding accountability. It rewards calmness, penalizes disruption, and absorbs critique into process.
Common tactics include:
- Performative validation: “That’s such an important point,” followed by nothing.
- Vague encouragement: “Keep speaking up!” with no action or power shift.
- Redirection to process: “Let’s take this to committee.” “Submit a ticket.” “There’s a form for that.”
- Defusing compliments: Praise used to soften or dismiss criticism — “You’re so passionate,” “You’re a strong voice,” “We really value your input.”
- Proximity theater: Adding a dissenting voice to a panel, team, or email thread — but without granting influence.
Why it matters:
The Containment Playbook doesn’t silence directly — it diffuses, disperses, and discourages. It teaches that resistance will be absorbed but not heard.
It is the quiet twin of censorship — the polished PR version of erasure.
External Resources:
- Thank You For Your Massive Lived Experience – (Medium)