Race and the Digital: Racial Formation and 21st Century Technologies

Online and Offline Activism

First and foremost, I am glad that through digital/hashtag activism people are aware of situations and at least contribute a bit to them by sharing posts and reusing hashtags. But just as you hint at in your blog, I feel that sometimes people disrupt the purpose of creating change when doing so because they become followers, using hashtags so they can appear cool and in the know. I recently joined social media platforms during my freshman year in college, and am at times hesitant to repost hashtags and write posts based on an event that affects many. It is admirable that others do what I cannot do, and I believe that highlights a pro in social media/digital/hashtag activism: people filling in if others are not able/not comfortable performing some way. I think that digital activism mediums may already resonate with the masses, as the latter constantly utilizes social media platforms and share their thoughts and lives through them. In my opinion, it is the people that must resonate with causes and movements, and think if their posting and reposting will help the former progress or not.
Very good post! I liked the breakdown of the analysis and how you incorporated hashtags from our conversation from last Tuesday with our guest lecturer, Dr. Vanessa Díaz. From our lecture in which we talked about paparazzo, I believe that individuals using hashtags to keep all up to date about a subject definitely act like paparazzi. Sometimes their posts may not be wanted, but it helps emphasize what events/people are important.

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