Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

When dealing with social media platforms as spaces of activism these sites can be innovative, powerful, and fast-moving at best, and at its worst chaotic and unfocused. The line between these two distinctions is actually slighter than one might realize. This understanding of cyber activism became clearer when faced with the question “What is contemporary ‘blacktivism’ according to Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram?”

Being a avid user of the popular blogging platform, Tumblr, and as such well-versed in the language and etiquette of the site, I sought my answer through my dashboard. Tumblr is composed of a endless scroll, comparable to Facebook’s newsfeed, that displays every user you ‘follow”s posts that can consist of either a link, photo, video, mp3, or text file that can be organized by ‘tags’. Like Twitter, there is a give and take between control: you cannot control what users post, but you can control who you follow. You ultimately build up the queue of information displayed on your dashboard.

This rule of thumb on Tumblr already an issue in itself, as it’s not only necessary to have an account to view such information, but it also requires stock knowledge of which users promote social activism the most. Already in this way, Tumblr blacktivism is exclusive in the broader sense of the term.  However because I am an established user of 5 years, this constraint only appeared in my thoughts after my study.

Taking into account the formatting and style of the website (and the advantage of 5 years of knowledge), I began my study of 30 minutes scrolling down my dashboard sure that out of my selected 500 some users one would surely post something under the activism tree. After about a minute of scrolling I saw a linked post that described the new case of Ebola in Liberia as an STD. The random post was one centered on awareness, not truly giving a solution to a possible rebirth of the Ebola crisis. And for a while this was the only post I saw. Because Tumblr is composed as a live feed, the minutes I scrolled down the dashboard before I encountered another post for social justice felt like eons.

It wasn’t until I encountered a post by a rather prominent Tumblr user in both the black and activist circles that my research progressed. This individual posted a series of inforgraphics that described the various levels of Israeli settlement on Palestinian territory, the fraught Palestinian citizenship across Israel and Palestine, and general problematic restriction of Palestinian people. The post was significantly informative as most portrayals of Palestine capitalize on the destruction of the Gaza Strip rather than the conditions that provide for this kind of environment, and the surrounding oppressions widespread through out the country. I then opened up another tab in my web browser to later peruse the user’s account, sure of the rich content in store, simultaneously still looking for another possible user to study. Right underneath their post Micdotcom, an active news source, posted GIFs of Porsha Olayiwola’s  poem that criticizes the misogynoir latent in police brutality discourse and the general dismissal of the pain black women face at the hands of black men.

Having at least two users under my belt and just ten minutes left of study, I decided to quickly delve deeper into each site. The first user’s activism centered mostly on the personal: crowdfunding for a poor black transwoman, a black family nearing homelessness, and written text posts that criticize various tangents of their multiple jeopardies as a queer transman of color. The text posts all had a least a thousand ‘notes’, which consisted of either likes or ‘reblogs’ (when users repost the content to their blogs). Furthermore you could see a constant rapport developing on these text posts that pursued discourse or fermented friendships. On this given users page the queer community of color was strong and accounted for. Switching tabs to Micdotcom, the website served as a curated collection of black internet activism across platforms. Screenshots of tweets raising awareness against recent police brutalities (#JusticeforJason, #SayHerName to name a couple), gifs of award shows and videos, news clips, and original Tumblr user posts decorated the page. Micdotcom served as a hub of generalized activism rather than specific black communal activist space.

It is in this way that Tumblr both triumphs and fails as a platform for social change. On one hand the site is a space for endless possibilities that allow for news sources and user-created online ‘zines to provide a constant stream of information crucial for social justice. These carefully curated hubs of information are a great start for both users and visitors of Tumblr. One does not need membership to view or message the copious amount of blogs present on the site. However their existence does not necessitate the existence of black community on Tumblr, individual users do. One would need to follow both prominent and random bloggers in the black community on Tumblr. These bloggers, your chosen informants, brothers, and sisters dictate your involvement with blacktivism. They raise causes for “Black Tumblr” to rally against, to raise money for, or even formally petition against on “Change.org”. These bloggers can help you through your journey of understanding matrices of oppression in your daily life, as well as navigate questions of gender/sexual/racial identity through direct messages, text posts, photos and videos open for commentary…..provided that you follow them. In addition to this slight oversight black users cannot be streamlined in the fighting of antiblackness. Some users are a part of “Queer Tumblr” or “Transgender Tumblr”or the dreaded “Barbershop Tumblr” (a part of Tumblr which is characterized by pro-black homophobic misogynoiristic users). Various pockets of Tumblr wholesale ignore some oppressions, such as colorism, to maintain their privilege and membership to the black community simultaneously. Tumblr can be a place rife with the schisms that plague physical activist spaces.

Ethical issues aside, in this sort of research Tumblr even fails in organization. Like Twitter it employs the hashtag system to organize posts, in order to make searches easier for users and non-users, however unlike Twitter, these tags are hardly agreed upon and are used liberally. Users sometimes use the tag system to input their commentary to protect the aesthetic integrity of a post. This so-called ‘talking in the tags’ makes for a chaotic black hole of information that can only be retrieved if you search that particular blogger’s archive. Tumblr has the potential to be a mess of epic proportion.

Ultimately Tumblr as a space for cyber black activism continuously toes the line of innovation and chaos. The ample opportunity for commentary and grassroot movement give Tumblr the chance to make virtual spaces of social justice bleed into the real world. However this is constantly mired by the disorganization, petty squabbles between users, and randomization of posts that is present on the site.

Word Count: 1138

 

Tags: ,

80,608 Responses to “Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources”

  1. Avtpoligraf.ru

    blog topic

  2. Great post. Your site is quite interesting and very well written. Visit our Offcampusjobs4u

  3. There is so much good information on this blog!
    Thank you for the great writing!
    Here is my website : 소액결제 현금화

  4. Google Rank says:

    Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info. SEO Freelancer in Dubai

  5. кентерно звено

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  6. holiday stamps

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  7. ebay shipping

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  8. CapCut78 says:

    Past link and Download Videos or Templates without watermark using the Capcut Downloader tool for free from CapcutDownloader.net</a

  9. Thanks for the detailed report

  10. The common side effects of utilizing oxycodone/acetaminophen 5-325 mg la thuoc gi are covered in more detail in this section. It emphasizes the value of disclosing any negative effects to medical personnel and guides when to seek emergency medical assistance. The section also discusses specific safety precautions to take, including not drinking, discussing potential drug interactions with other prescriptions, and disclosing any pre-existing illnesses or allergies to medical professionals.

  11. Safeclothess boasted the finest selection of trendy garments in all of the United States. Shoppers flocked to their store, confident that they had found a fashion paradise. However, little did they know that Safeclothes was secretly owned by a group of nudists who simply wanted more people to experience the freedom they felt every day!

  12. palladium4d says:

    Untuk new member tutorial terpenting adalah teratur latihan menggunakan akun demo slot gacor yang dipersiapkan situs slot online terkini PALLADIUM4D. Anda tidak mungkin sukses dalam hal apa pun pada eksperimen pertama, sering latihan dan dapatkan pola link slot gacor hari ini memberi hasil terbaik. Tidak ingin kehilangan uang saat penilaian? Itu kelebihan gunakan akun demo slot gacor maxwin terpercaya.

  13. Price of postage stamps

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  14. کلسیم کربنات‌ها با توجه به روش تولید در انواع گوناگونی وجود دارند و دارای کاربردها و روش استخراج گوناگون هستند.

  15. mjnexpress org
    The posts are very brief. It’s really excellent, keep it up!

  16. Nidhi says:

    Interesting Stuff! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Will surely come and visit this blog more often. I will definitely share it in my network. Thanks for sharing

  17. I was moved by your blog. It’s a story I’ve always been interested in,

    so I think I enjoyed reading it even more. Thank you.

    I want you to visit my webpage. I hope it’s always full of fun things.

    from – https://ethericwarriors.com

  18. Slot gacor says:

    Return to Player (RTP) adalah persentase uang yang dipertaruhkan yang diperkirakan akan dikembalikan kepada pemain dalam jangka panjang. Pilihlah slot gacor online dengan RTP yang lebih tinggi, karena ini memberikan peluang lebih baik untuk mendapatkan kembali sebagian dari uang yang Anda pertaruhkan dalam jangka waktu yang lebih lama.

  19. palu gacor says:

    palu gacor

    blog topic

  20. mayeva says:

    Effortlessly Transfer USD securely from SafePal to Trust Wallet! Introducing a hassle-free solution for seamless cryptocurrency transactions. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just getting started, our platform ensures a smooth and reliable process for how to transfer usdc from blockchain to paypal. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our top-notch security features and user-friendly interface. Say goodbye to complex procedures and hello to a simplified way of managing your digital assets. Join our rapidly growing community of users who trust us for their cryptocurrency needs. Start transferring with confidence today!

  21. Wireless devices can join a wired network thanks to a networking equipment known as an access point ap.setup.
    Wavlink AC1200 wifi extender setup

  22. Provaforumsavoia1234.altervista.org

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  23. Don’t let the stress of assignments weigh you down – let us handle them for you! With our reliable write my assignment service, you’ll have more time for other important aspects of your life while ensuring your academic success. Place your order today and experience the difference firsthand!

  24. jackdavid00 says:

    Your words evoke an expanse of emotions. Your unique insights add color to the discussion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and contributing to this vibrant exchange.
    Regards:Best AC maintenance

  25. BPTP says:

    BPTP Plots BPTP projects real estate in Faridabad… Find a collection of affordable residential projects in Faridabad from reputable builder

  26. monticiagoe says:

    Thank you, your blog is very informative. A Dissertation Help service offers a multitude of benefits to students undertaking the challenging task of completing their academic dissertations. With its invaluable support, students can navigate through the intricate process of research, analysis, and documentation. These services, typically staffed by experienced professionals, provide several advantages that facilitate a successful dissertation completion.

  27. crackersofts says:

    “Your blog is a symphony of creativity, each post a note that resonates with ingenuity. Keep composing your masterpiece! ✨ #CreativeChronicles”

  28. crackersofts says:

    “Your blog is a symphony of creativity, each post a note that resonates with ingenuity. Keep composing your masterpiece! ✨ #CreativeChronicles”

    https://crackersofts.com/

  29. Are you a gaming enthusiast looking for an exciting and challenging game to keep you entertained for hours on end? Look no further than Geometry Dash APK! This thrilling rhythm-based platformer has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a unique blend of geometry, music, and addictive gameplay. In this article, we’ll delve into the captivating universe of Geometry Dash and explore what makes this game a must-play for both casual and hardcore gamers.

  30. ali says:

    It is truly a well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so engaged in this material that I couldn’t wait reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thanks. reiki healing toronto

  31. og insta apk says:

    Amazing blog thank you so much for sharing this amazing article with which I really like to read and I must would like to say that I have ever never found such an amazing article before.

  32. Geometry Dash Apk treats players to a visually stimulating experience. The vivid colors, intricate designs, and smooth animations contribute to the game’s aesthetic appeal and immerse players in the geometric world.

  33. robertwrenn says:

    The hqd cuvie is a compact and disposable vape pen, which easily fits into your pocket or handbag. The Cuvie is perfect for the casual vaper who likes to have a social puff while out with friends or after a long day at work. With a 950mAh battery, the Cuvie will last for 300 puffs and can be stored without risk of expiry between uses. No need for a long smoke break at work, you can quickly have a few puffs without anyone noticing.

  34. Usps stamps 2022

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  35. Islamabad is a city that is known for its delightful young ladies from escorts in Islamabad. While you will find various models wearing pink robes in the city, there are likewise different Pakistani ladies who can’t stand to wear costly dresses or drive an extravagant vehicles. These ladies, in any case, make an endeavor to seem appealing and tasteful in cheap marked outfits, which are normally equivalent to what they wear in their country.

  36. Assuming that you’re searching for models or sexual escorts in Islamabad, you’ve come to the perfect locations. There are various organizations that offer this assistance. You can apply on the web and browse a wide range of bundles. To burn through a large chunk of change, there are likewise less expensive choices like calling young ladies.

  37. I’ve read a lot of stories about blogger lovers, but this one is the saddest one I’ve ever read. Keep it up!

  38. Excellent post, and many thanks for sharing; I’ve learned a lot of valuable stuff from it.

  39. Suhagan says:

    Suhagan Is Indain Tv Drama By Colors tv Suhagan is Hindi Serial Tv
    Suhagan

  40. Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum Is Indain Tv Drama By Sony tv Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum is Hindi Serial Tv
    Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum

  41. Dr. Vincent Bubolo’s remarkable leadership and visionary approach have transformed Bubolo Medical, previously known as Synergy Medical Centers, into a prominent national enterprise. With a diverse range of services, from weight loss solutions to advanced hair transplants, Bubolo Medical has thrived under his guidance. Over the span of two decades, the institution has proudly catered to more than 20,000 patients, delivering top-notch quality services that leave patients fully satisfied. Dr. Bubolo’s exceptional leadership has fostered a team of over 30 highly trained professionals who prioritize patient care above all else. His commitment to investing in cutting-edge equipment, like the Dexa Scan, reflects his dedication to staying at the forefront of medical technology. Dr. Vincent Bubolo’s legacy continues to shine brightly in the realm of modern healthcare.

  42. Urdu Poetry says:

    Urdu Poetry comes in various forms, such as ghazals, Nazams, Rubais, and Qasidas. These forms explore different themes and styles.

    https://theurdupoetry.com/hazrat-ali-r-a-quotes/

  43. iavc says:

    iavc

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

  44. I wear traditional clothes, I look very attractive. In those intimate minutes when you see me in hot underwear so closely, you will naturally get ignited by my Jaipur escorts service.https://www.rihana.co.in

  45. Gcllimo.Com says:

    Gcllimo.Com

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.