Hello everyone. Today I wanted to discuss why social media is crucial in the BLM movement and encourage you to get involved. This post is not meant to fuel insecurities; if you're taking action offline (donating, watching videos, writing emails, etc.), then you're already doing what everyone is trying to promote in the first place!
First, an incident I observed.
But what, exactly, is needed and expected from others (and hopefully, you!) on social media? Right now, we need posts about education and action. Why we specifically use hashtags like Black Lives Matter and not All Lives Matter, the history of discrimination against Black people, victims of racial violence, common microaggressions, ways to donate, who to call/text, petitions to sign, Black business owners/authors/creators/experiences/etc. to support, services offered in exchange for donations to motivate people to take a stand, and so much more. Don't feel the need to post just because everyone else is, but if there's an initiative you support, share it!
First, an incident I observed.
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A social media account was consistently posting their usual feed with no mention of the BLM movement, and someone angrily commented that they were going to block the account because it should be used to spread awareness instead.
Though I don't agree with the tone of the message (and I'll explain why at the end of this post), I do agree that refusing to acknowledge the movement is a real issue. Right now, the movement needs supporters to fight for change for our future. We have to stand in solidarity, but if people consistently posting can't even take time out of their lives to write a post on social media about the BLM movement, what guarantee do we have that they will text, donate, or take action in other forms? Additionally, celebrities have huge followings and the power to influence others. If they don't use their platforms constructively in the times when it's most needed, then what is the platform for? As Desmond Tutu said, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have taken the side of the oppressor".
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And don't be afraid of making mistakes. It's just statistical probability that the more you post, the more mistakes you will make, but at least you are trying to make a difference. Learn from what you did wrong (definitely do your research before sharing resources with others), fix it, and continue to support this cause. I am proud to be part of a community that cares to make a difference rather than one that says nothing out of the fear of making mistakes.
Also, don't shy away from posting a cute profile picture or bookstagram photo if you're still continuing to update your account with BLM information; in fact, infusing aspects of the BLM movement into your usual feeds/stories (which you can do in so many ways) can be even more powerful because it shows that you refuse to gloss over the movement, reminds you of what you're fighting for, and reminds others to keep taking action, too!
The idea that one repost or one Instagram story can reach hundreds of people is empowering in times like these. For once, we can use social media to lift each other up and drive change for something bigger than ourselves. You've been given a chance, make sure to use it.
And another note about commenting on social media: instead of an angry comment, you may want to consider a persuasive, encouraging tone. If you're putting in the effort anyway, educating someone on why their voice matters is likely to drive more meaningful change.
Additionally, no matter how unlikely it may seem, we really don't know how much time the person behind the account is spending off social media to drive the BLM movement (remember that everyone has different ways of showing support, online and offline, whether through protesting, donating, texting, calling, watching videos with ads, supporting Black business owners, voting, and more). We are all angry and hurt, but it is time to direct our anger toward the right individuals. Let's encourage each other to do more rather than tear ourselves apart.
Also, don't shy away from posting a cute profile picture or bookstagram photo if you're still continuing to update your account with BLM information; in fact, infusing aspects of the BLM movement into your usual feeds/stories (which you can do in so many ways) can be even more powerful because it shows that you refuse to gloss over the movement, reminds you of what you're fighting for, and reminds others to keep taking action, too!
The idea that one repost or one Instagram story can reach hundreds of people is empowering in times like these. For once, we can use social media to lift each other up and drive change for something bigger than ourselves. You've been given a chance, make sure to use it.
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Additionally, no matter how unlikely it may seem, we really don't know how much time the person behind the account is spending off social media to drive the BLM movement (remember that everyone has different ways of showing support, online and offline, whether through protesting, donating, texting, calling, watching videos with ads, supporting Black business owners, voting, and more). We are all angry and hurt, but it is time to direct our anger toward the right individuals. Let's encourage each other to do more rather than tear ourselves apart.
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