Digital Activism, a political tool for mass distribution? Or a feeding ground for government intervention?
Since the emergence of ‘digital comms’ in political engagement and activism, the widespread distribution of campaigning and issues for change has grown exponentially. No longer do those who feel submissive about the governments actions, have not a say but are now at the front line of making a stand. The use of mobile devices and social media has lead to the rapid distribution of awareness and an increased number of participation in the act towards change.
Assistant professor Brooke Foucault Welles argues the introduction of ‘counter publics’ within ‘digital activism’, which resemble groups of people from subordinate social groups that don’t fit within the ‘public sphere’. Importantly, these digital citizens “advance alternate narratives” (Foucault Welles, 2019) that contribute to a larger discussion around the stories that matter. We see this sense of community online through the use of ‘hashtag publics’ which correlate information and make it easily accessible for action to be taken.
There’s no doubt you would have come across these familiar hashtags during your research online, #BlackLivesMatter and the #Metoo movement. It’s important to understand that a large proportion of these digital campaigns have been as a result of the network behind these ‘counter publics’. These online platforms have provided an environment where stories can be told with shared values of trust and a sense of normality. It helps promote empathy with the discussions that are being held and acts as a pivot for action.
A more recent example of this rise in ‘counter publics’ is the unfortunate event of death of George Floyd, who was murdered at the hands of an inconsiderate and sinister force, the police. Too often then not we hear about the tragic deaths caused by police brutality, and their over use of power. The #icantbreathe hashtag has been circulating the internet in the last 24 hours as people from all walks of life attempt to raise awareness and demand action. In times of crisis like this, digital comms also becomes a playground for influencers and public figures to reach a wider spread audience about the issue.
LeBron James is just one of the large names that has taken part in challenging the conventions of the government and asking for people to participate in ‘digital activism’.
LeBron James Instagram:
As you can see in the image above, James presents a split photo with the police officer that murdered George Floyd on the left and NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick who famously kneeled during the American anthem to protest against racial indifference on the right. This particular act of digital campaigning resonates with those who are suffering injustice and helps build a shared voice.
Furthermore, James follows up with an included caption that says “Do you understand NOW!!??!!??” and the hashtag #StayWoke. Both of these statements reinforce the message of continuing to stay aware and act in times of issues around discrimination.
This brings me to the question of whether this form of ‘digital activism’ can be used as government intervention o or even manipulation. Expanding on Kaepernick’s influence in the black lives matter campaign, the large sporting company Nike was at front end of controversy surrounding this matter.
After releasing the “Dream Crazy” advertisement which featured Kaepernick and the slogan “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything. Just do it.” the protests began to follow. It even got the attention of the U.S. president Donald Trump who responded to the social activism as “I think it’s a terrible message and a message that shouldn’t be sent. There’s no reason for it.”. This highlights the government’s ignorance and authoritarian approach to dismissing real claims about societal injustice. However, as we have seen with other online movements, ‘digital activism’ is able to go “beyond the event horizon of immediate political inter-ventions” (Alvarez, Lauzon, Zaiontz, 2019) and help take effect the issue to a larger scale.
References:
Alvarez N., Lauzon C., Zaiontz K. (2019) 'On Sustainable Tools for Precarious Times: An Introduction'. In: Alvarez N., Lauzon C., Zaiontz K. (eds) Sustainable Tools for Precarious Times. Contemporary Performance InterActions.
Foucault Welles PhD, B. (Academic). (2019). Researching online activism using social network analysis [Streaming video]. Retrieved from SAGE Research Methods.
LeBron James, LeBron James Instagram Profile, accessed 28 May 2020, https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq3fpCgyve/.
The Guardian, Nike releases full ad featuring Colin Kaepernick, accessed 28 May 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=-grjIUWKoBA&feature=emb_logo.
