WEEK 5!
Over the last year during the pandemic the internet and social media has been a huge part of activism and to raise awareness for specific causes and movements, why do you think it plays such a vital role now in activism and what is one example where social media has helped to make a difference?
Recently with the pandemic, our lives have all changed dramatically with new laws restraining our ability to leave the house, catch up with friends and attend functions. Factors like this have limited the ability for activists to practice traditional forms of raising awareness resulting in many turning to online platforms. Social media allows anyone to participate and express their opinions online regarding modern issues to a global audience instantly. Its platforms like these where people can interact and exchange their personal views. An example of an activist group using social media to further raise awareness would be the Black Lives Matter movement. Through the use of hashtags (#blacklivesmatter/#BLM), posts, stories, emojis and stickers that represent the movement, it allows people to easily navigate to content regarding the community. Other examples referencing the BLM movement on social media is the clenched fist image used in many profile pictures across all social media platforms to represent 'the blackout movement'. The blackout movement addresses all injustices of the black community including the inconsistencies on social media platforms with algorithms and the number of rising white creators in respect to other cultures. Although only referencing the BLM movement, social media has allowed many minorities and people to express their beliefs inside not only their community but allowing us outsiders insight into the lives of other cultures or groups.
References:
Hu, J., 2021. The Second Act of Social-Media Activism. The New Yorker. Available at: <https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-second-act-of-social-media-activism>.
Maqbool, A., 2020. Black Lives Matter: From social media post to global movement. BBC News. Available at: <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53273381>.













