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: ,

76,749 Responses to “Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources”

  1. pakin says:

    I am thankful that I discovered this site, precisely the right info that I was searching for! ufabet1688

  2. Great Blog. Really Nice and Informative, keep it up !
    Buy Cheap Keys

  3. mel do amor como usar

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

  4. Pokerbo

    I found a great…

  5. Thank you for sharing this information. I read your blog and I can’t stop my self to read your full blog.

  6. guy sex says:

    guy sex

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

  7. jetstar đại lý

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

  8. how do i make money on binance

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

  9. Private Proxies Trial

    I found a great…

  10. Good site, thank you for joining and commenting on your site.

  11. Free Private Proxy Browsing

    I found a great…

  12. Modern Jazz says:

    Modern Jazz

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

  13. kinetic attraction method review

    like water for chocolate » Assignments

  14. how do I improve my home

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

  15. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a top
    notch article.
    온라인카지노

  16. Well I truly enjoyed reading it. This subject offered by you is very helpful and accurate.
    스포츠토토

  17. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.
    온라인카지노

  18. Thanks in support of sharing such a fastidious opinion, piece of writing is pleasant, thats why i have read it completely
    온라인카지노

  19. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot!

  20. Connect your Netgear extender to the router. Run the web browser and visit Netgear default IP 192.168.1.250. You land on the Netgear extender setup webpage.

  21. Pay your Cricket Wireless Payment- Cricket Bill Pay Online from 3 – 200 USD Now. Prepaid Phone Bill is simple & easy to use for Cricket Refill Payment. Cricket Pay Bill is fast and secure.

  22. https://cynramedia.com

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

  23. poles granit jakarta

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

  24. lisa says:

    “I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again!Bradenton

  25. lily jassica says:

    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Forbes alert
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates
    Fox news updates

  26. home improvements

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

  27. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site.
    카지노사이트윈

  28. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is really creative too.
    토토사이트핫

  29. Usually I never comment on sites, but this one is so good. I just want to congratulate your works. Keep it up
    온카지노사이트인포

  30. Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site.
    카지노사이트윈

  31. oncasinosite says:

    온라인카지노사이트
    Thanks for posting this educative writeup. I do appreciate your efforts.

  32. Boom Truck Rental Rates

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

  33. Thanks in support of sharing such a fastidious opinion, piece of writing is pleasant, thats why i have read it completely
    온라인카지노

  34. it’s awesome and I found this one informative
    온라인카지노

  35. Thank you for sharing this information. I read your blog and I can’t stop my self to read your full blog. Again Thanks and Best of luck to your next Blog in future.
    스포츠토토

  36. This is great information. It seems to be a really interesting article
    온라인카지노

  37. Your article is very interesting. I think this article has a lot of information needed, looking forward to your new posts.
    온라인카지노

  38. buylow says:

    buylow
    Thank you so much for the great and very informative blog site.

  39. Galion Crane Parts Manual

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

  40. オメガ3 6 9 ペット

    blog topic

  41. 안전한 메이저 사이트는 먹튀이력이 전혀 없는 곳입니다. 저희가 추천 하고 있는 놀이터는 가족방이 활성화 된 가장 안전한 곳만을 추구하고 있습니다. 소액도 고액도 모두 즐겁게 즐길 수 있는 놀이터를 추천해드립니다. 메이저 토토사이트는 충/환 시간이 신속하며 제재 또한 심하지 않은 편입니다. 또한 다양한 미니게임을 선보이는 업체를 통해 즐거운 베팅을 경험하세요.

  42. neha sharma says:

    If you will need the latest and real pictures of our women that simply you will have to confirm your hotel details like your hotel name, hotel room number and the name by room is booked and after that we will confirm that details to telephone you through reception of your hotel. It’ll take hardly one to two minutes not more than. Immediately after that we will share the images of the escorts according to your choices or desires.

  43. new hip hop says:

    new hip hop

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

  44. http://www.prodigychiro.com

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

  45. Webroot is a computer security software program for Microsoft Windows users that combine software as a service cloud protection with traditional Antivirus and anti-spyware desktop technologies.

  46. Cyber Crime continues to evolve, imposing new threats for us. And that is why using any antivirus software is considered necessary these days Webroot.com/secure.

  47. Играть бесплатно в LilithPassion c бездепом от Vavada

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

  48. superslot says:

    It’s funny how for Rhett’s birthday he got to eat a bunch of beans (and green beans) but for Link’s birthday he gets a 50/50 chance of eating something super nasty

  49. top 50 among us songs

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

  50. Buy Dining Chairs Online: Shop Latest Wooden Dining Chairs at 40% discount. Choose from wide variety of dining chair designs from Custom Houzz in India.

    • miss says:

      Miss Shweta has all kinds of girls who call girls for the service like Russian, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, etc., which gives a sense of satisfaction when they have a relationship with her. It is the best paid and free escort service in Delhi for independent agency sex.

Leave a Reply to sportstoto.zone Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.