DEEP DIVE

White Knighting is when an individual inserts themselves into an argument with the sole purpose of making themselves look good and appear as if hey are a “knight in shining armor,” according to subreddit r/explainlikeimfive. The term also refers to those who jump into disputes to defend someone who doesn’t need defending.

The term “white knighting” is also thrown around by individuals or online trolls who don’t like being called out by others. They’ll try to flip the situation by deeming their criticizers white knights.

The term white knighting is similar to that of “caping for” another individual.

Often online when a man is being abusive to a woman if another man steps in the misogynist tries to shame that man by saying he’s a “white knighting” etc. Just so you guys know feel free to step in if a man is running his mouth to me. We can tell him to ‘get fucked’ together. 🤝

— Simone (@Slimbo32) March 11, 2021

If you start white knighting for your favorite esports figures (who you do not know on an interpersonal level)

*before even reading or listening to alleged victims’ accounts,*

you’re especially part of the problem

— steph #BLM (@kdpanthera) March 10, 2021