Social media and social change
posted Nov. 22 - 8:57 pm by Paula E. Kirman
Judy Rebick talked about the rise of social media in her ending keynote address. Among activists, social media has become important in terms of organizing events and reporting on them after the fact. We consistently complain that the mainstream media ignores social issues - an in fact, Rebick confirmed this when she spoke of her meeting with the CBC's Peter Mansbridge about the decision for the station not to talk to any leaders of social movements.
However, now it really doesn't matter. Anyone with a digital camera, camcorder, cell phone, and computer can upload all of the information and media he or she wants. Footage of rallies, speeches, and other events can be found on http://www.twitter.com=" _cke_saved_href=">Twitter. Facebook is an excellent place to organize and spread the word about upcoming events.
For me it is not enough to simply attend a rally or other event. I bring my camcorder with me, record it, and upload it to my YouTube channel. I take photos and post them on my Flickr site. I talk about what is going on as it happens on Twitter. Even when I do things as mundane as read books or watch films I feel a need to share my thoughts and comments. There is a social media application for all of this and more, especially on Facebook.
I admit (and so did Rebick) that the Internet does have its pitfalls. We as a result have to balance the good against the bad when it comes to the Internet and social media. Many people in my generation grew up sitting in front of the television having a one-sided media conversation. Younger people today will have spent most of their life using social media in one form or another. I cannot wait to see if they will end up being more engaged citizens as a result.
Bottom line: activism is about being active. Social media is a readily available, simple, and far-reaching way to facilitate this. We would be foolish to overlook it.
