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: ,

78,662 Responses to “Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources”

  1. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 이용방법

  2. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션 코리아

  3. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 작업

  4. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션 보드게임

  5. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 가입

  6. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노

  7. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 작업

  8. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 사이트

  9. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 롤링

  10. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 쿠폰

  11. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 도메인

  12. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노 이용방법

  13. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션 코리아

  14. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션 보드게임

  15. Hello, I was really shocked after reading your article. There is such a thing. Having said that, do you like playing chess and card games online? If you like, you can play with me. 
    에볼루션카지노

  16. The field of law is quite possibly the most infuriating subject of analysis to accomplish. It is huge to such an extent that students must require Law Assignment Help. It subsumes various regions of study where students look to do my law assignment. That is the motivation behind why this field is viewed as probably the hardest subject to manage and understudies are given various law homework which becomes not less than a nightmare for them. In order to accomplish their work within the time frame, the only way out is to utilise law homework help.

  17. As animation facilitates storytelling, it also establishes a positive brandeasye in users’ hearts. So, companies require animation solutions to showcase the positive impact of businesses. By doing so, conveying an impactful message becomes easy.

  18. Welcome to million casino. Our casino p considers customers the best and is a a site that allows real-time n betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot n game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. jl LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best 0 casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  19. Welcome to million casino. Our casino v considers customers the best and is 4 a site that allows real-time 8 betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot i game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. 5a LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best y casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  20. Welcome to million casino. Our casino f considers customers the best and is m a site that allows real-time k betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot r game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. 3k LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best 3 casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  21. Welcome to million casino. Our casino l considers customers the best and is h a site that allows real-time j betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot 3 game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. l9 LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best r casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  22. 온라인 라이브 카지노 퍼스트 바카라 우리 계열 카지노 카지노 게임 라이브 샌즈 카지노 가입 쿠폰 pc 카지노 게임 슬롯머신사이트 카지노 슬롯 사이트 카지노커뮤니티에스뱅크 월드 카지노 사이트 코인 카지노 가입 쿠폰 바카라 인터넷바카라

  23. парсинг данных с сайта

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

  24. ADMIN says:

    It’s onerous to find educated individuals on this subject, however you sound like you realize what you’re talking about! Thanks

  25. ADMIN says:

    There is no concrete definition of games as it may vary with an individual’s preference and profession. Games can be defined as a “system in which players engage in artificial conflict, defined by rules, which result in a quantifiable outcome”. Technology and digitization add new dimensions to games where simulations, interactivity, augmented reality, alternative reality, collective intelligence and sensory stimulators such as sound and visual effects. Digital games are also characterized by their portability and limitless accessibility.

  26. ADMINsssss says:

    I think other web-site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and excellent user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!

  27. ADMINaaaaaa says:

    thai he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks

  28. mypicvideo.com

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

  29. ADMINsss says:

    You have brought up a very great details , thankyou for the post.

  30. Uncle says:

    ike water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies V: Using and Analyzing Digital Media Sources Welcome to million casino. Our casino 2 considers customers the best and is 8 a site

  31. ADMIN says:

    Good post! We will be linking to this great article on our website.
    Keep up the great writing.sss

  32. ADMIN says:

    Good post! We will be linking to this great article on our website.
    Keep up the great writing.

  33. please click the following internet site

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

  34. dammy says:

    One [url=https://www.banhardsumlan207.ac.th/]intelligence

  35. When I was little, I dreamed that someone would do everything for me. And I just played and did what I wanted. And now, when I’m in high school, they started asking me a lot of homework, but I still didn’t want to do it. So I started looking for help on the Internet. And I came across the pay someone to take my online exam service on this site. For a long time of work, there were no problems, everything was fast and high-quality. I recommend it.

  36. james willey says:

    Has anybody ever completed your online evaluations and exams for you? As a result, you will have no recall of it at all. This is now apparent to me. Having pay someone to take my online exam isn’t a common service, but we’re talking about it anyhow! For a little charge, you may have your job performed to the highest standards on our site. How about this for a bonus: Check it out!

  37. auto trading times classified michigan

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

  38. wholesale athletic wear OEM

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

  39. Salman khan has announced in Bigg Boss 15 celebrities are part of this show and this show will release in september 2021.

  40. incredible job just amazing

  41. amazing work keep it up

  42. best binary options signals reviews of movies

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

  43. gcmaf yogurt buy

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

  44. need help with binary options

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

  45. Welcome to million casino. Our casino v considers customers the best and is d a site that allows real-time d betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot r game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. pp LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best 6 casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  46. Welcome to million casino. Our casino 2 considers customers the best and is 8 a site that allows real-time h betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot w game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. nf LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best s casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  47. Welcome to million casino. Our casino 0 considers customers the best and is d a site that allows real-time 3 betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot 5 game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. lw LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best 5 casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  48. Welcome to million casino. Our casino m considers customers the best and is a a site that allows real-time m betting 24 hours a day.에볼루션카지노 가입 It is the most used slot h game by users among more than 50 slot game companies. er LIVE BACCARAT The world’s best v casino with beautiful dealers Enjoy!v.

  49. https://Eeon.tv/members/Thad50E240

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.