#dosomething
With the inception of new technologies the age of the social networking has emerged. Ideas and information are now more accessible than ever and Americans have the ability to voice their opinions in ways like never before. With these concepts in mind a new form of social activism has emerged. The idea of signing pledges online, ‘liking’ pictures on Facebook to support a cause, forwarding e-mails to raise awareness and more recently the use of hashtags on Twitter to advocate a cause, a movement or even just mutual feelings, ie: #longhairdontcare. All these are just some of the ways Americans are reaching out, voicing their opinions and uniting those around the world. But is all this really making a difference?
Like any argument, this debate has two sides and it’s important to observe each carefully.
Recently, a video made by Invisible Children regarding the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader Joseph Kony went viral on almost every social network. The 14 minute short film raised awareness of millions around the world within a matter of a few hours. The clip was followed up by hashtags over Twitter such as #stopkony or #kony2012, url links to the video on Facebook as well as criticism from several skeptics. However, the movement is worth mentioning due to the unprecedented momentum it produced throughout the masses as well as the heightened awareness which resulted.
However, in opposition, some critics have ventured to discount social media as a means of producing significant social change. Malcom Gladwell published an article titled, “Small Change: Why the Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted” in 2010 regarding his hesitations and reservations regarding the extent social networking is working to produce social change. Gladwell makes the argument that the Internet serves rather as a mask for individuals to hide their true faces behind when supporting particular people or causes as a means of tip-toeing around coming off too strong.
However, in an additional article, Cathy Davidson makes an attempt at compromising these two opposing views through stating the following, “The existence of social media neither necessitates nor preludes social activism”. She notes the events of the 20th century such as the civil rights movement and how social media worked to facilitate further action as well as raise awareness following the actions of key activists such as Rosa Parks. She goes on to say that individual actions are facilitated by social media, however, social media itself is insufficient to be counted as a means of significant social change. Click here for more
With each of these perspectives in mind, this idea can be related to how we are to lead in the generation we find ourselves in today. The bottom line is, activism requires ACTION. In order to make a difference, we must reach beyond the keyboard in front of us, beyond the world wide web and immerse ourselves in what true action and activism should look like.
“People seldom do what they believe in they do what is convenient, then repent” – Bob Dylan
October 20th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
First off, I love this post! Great incorporation of articles, especially with opposing view points. As far as my response, I have to say that I think the jury is still out on social media and whether it makes change or not. If you think about how few generations have grown up with iPhones constantly in their hand and Facebook replacing their Password Journal (Remember that journal where you had to say the password to open it? Don’t we feel old now!), I think we can agree that social media is still evolving – and so are the ways we use it. As far as awareness, I feel like social media has already proven itself a good channel through which people can voice their opinions on different issues and causes they support. Just in the last 24 hours, posts on my newsfeed have exposed me to Amherst College’s potential mistreatment of sexual assault victims and seen a few different takes on arguments for gay rights. I would argue that since I have been exposed to these issues and views, I am naturally more likely to act on them in real life. Now, for the second part of the social media activism question – will I actually ACT on these problems through social media? Here is where my answer of maybe comes into play. I am likely to share it and spread awareness, but “actual” participation certainly isn’t as likely. Regardless, I still think social media plays an important role in social reform and that we should not discount it completely. While it may be important to get out there and get things done in person, it certainly doesn’t mean we should stop tweeting, posting, texting, or emailing about the causes close to our hearts.
October 22nd, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Social networking is a great way to get the word out about what you are passionate about. But I think that it stops there. Even if you donate money, there has to be an organization taking that money and doing something with it, and without that action in the “real world,” raising awareness by social networking would have no power; therefore, action outside of the Internet is the most crucial step towards change while change by social networking alone is very limited.
October 23rd, 2012 at 6:57 pm
I agree, but social media activism does make a difference to those who would never do anything anyways. In my opinion any kind of activism is better than nothing. Awareness spreads the word and people get inspired and educated to get up and do something. The Kony 2012 short movie might have targeted millions of people online, but there were still 1000s of students across the nation who started fundraisers and did something towards the change in Uganda. A small percentage from a big number is still something. I agree that action is above awareness, but one has to see the connection of both sides. I hope this made sense (:
October 24th, 2012 at 9:50 am
Very interesting post! This reminds me of the activity that we did in class where we decided what counted as community engagement to us. In my opinion both social networking and physically volunteering are very important, but very different forms of activism. Often social networking helps you find causes that you are passionate about, which can lead to further volunteering. Without social networking and the internet it would be much more difficult to discover volunteer organizations and opportunities. I think participating in online petitions and liking a page on facebook are a huge step in the right direction and often lead to more people discovering the importance of a certain organization that you are passionate about.