W6 - Activisms and Protest ‘pakat’ (collab) with Social Media
I believe most activists enjoy and prefer to protest physically rather than digitally, because the unity of everyone coming together gives powerful and unstoppable vibes (if you catch my meaning). The pandemic has forced activists to move their protest to social media. Despite the danger of social gathering during these times, there are still strong headed activists and protesters who still prefers to protest the normal physically way.
While there are physical protests going on in some countries, I can only imagine how hard it is for some celebrities or influencers to make their decision on such matter. The meaning to my sentence would be, there are people who prioritise safety more instead of protesting and there are also people who prioritise protesting more instead of the virus.
Celebrities / Influencers being Sandwiched
Celebrities/influencers are bound to be attacked by fans or non fans no matter what they choose to do. Whether if it is to stay home or going to the protest, stay speak on the issue or to stay silent, they will be called out. There is just no winning for them. The reason to this thought of mine was when Bretman Rock, an openly gay influencer, joining the pride month protest. I do not remember exactly if it was a protest on gay rights or a pride month gathering celebration, I only remember from what I saw on his Instagram stories which was him together with his sister (straight) went to the protest with their masks on. He kept emphasising that he was standing very far from the others and followed social distancing.
It got me thinking, while some celebrities/influencers are concerned by the pandemic, the society will still expect them to participate protests. Especially those LGBT activisms, celebrities/influencers that are part of the LGBT community are expected to join despite the danger of the virus. They might be criticised and being called hypocrites if they do not meet the qualified amount of support the society expects from them. Which was why Bretman Rock still went to the protest and was very precautious of his safety (from the virus). Furthermore, celebrities/influencers who decide to stay silent and not speak of the issues will also be criticised as ignorant. It is impossible to please everyone.
Purpose of Activisms and Protests
In my opinion, the purpose of activisms and protests is to push for change. However, it still depends on how one looks at the situation. People are tide to their own opinions and cultures on how they were taught/brought up. It is not easy to force or try to convince someone to change and abide what the society expects them to. The world is changing, there are things that were not considered as normal before but is considered normal in today's generation. For example, LGBT is not for everyone. It is impossible to force someone to change their mindset and accept what the society is accepting today. Which is why the purpose of activisms and protests can also be spreading awareness. People who are not able to accept the LGBT community will be more aware on the dangers of being part of the LGBT community.
I have been repeating this sentence a little too much but social media is really a good place to promote, share and search for news. Countries like Malaysia may not have protests so often compared to other countries. Some countries do not practice strong protesting for they do not have the freedom like the Americans do. Those countries may not be aware of the issues that are happening in their society until they are made known by other countries that such issues exists around the world. Which is why social media is a good way for people to gain more knowledge and to stay updated with what is going around the world. According to Maryville University, the power of social media can help uplift voices, spread information directly and increase collaboration across different groups of people around the world.
Once again, everyone is tied to their own opinion. It is impossible to force everyone to follow or to have the mindset the society wants them to do. We can only either show support or simply just some respect even when we do not agree to the argument. Make peace not hate.
Maryville University, ‘A Guide to Activism in the Digital Age’, viewed on 13 October 2021, <https://online.maryville.edu/blog/a-guide-to-social-media-activism/>.
