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. 정품비아그라구입구매파는곳 카톡KMAN888
    정품비알리스구입구매파는곳 카톡KMAN888
    정품비아그라시알리스퀵배송 카톡KMAN888
    사이트 바로가기 >>https://kviaman.com

  2. HMIS with Business Intelligence

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

  3. Numerous thanks for a fascinating website internet site. What else may possibly I get that sort of data composed in this kind of a fantastic method? I have an enterprise that I am just now running on, Which i are already on the lookout for These types of info. https://iznine.com/

  4. buy weed online
    Thanks for share such type of precious information.

  5. dubaishopmakeup.com

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

  6. Violator Kush
    Your blog is truly impressive. I really love the content. Good job!

  7. Doujinshi Bahasa Indonesia

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

  8. Surat Escort Services and Call Girls in Surat
    In this racing life we use to work every time but could not find the leisure time for our health, Yes you are right I’m just talking about health. The most important aspect of our life is to be happy and for this we do everything even marry. Here Surat Escorts is on running platform for unlimited entertainment(call girls services in Surat).

  9. Health Management information system in Nigeria

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

  10. toto-cat says:

    Love to read your blog! Thanks for posting some valuable post. 안전놀이터

  11. animals says:

    We ordered from Bindia for the first time and it was great food, ready exactly on time, with friendly staff. indisk restaurant We also received several follow-ups after our order to make sure our experience was good. Highly recommended!

  12. Установка петли двери

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

  13. заказать самолет тбилиси

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

  14. LINK ARTERNATIF BONCEL4D

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

  15. things to do near commerce ga

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

  16. sofia gonclve says:

    Thanks for sharing American Express Login

  17. sofia gonclve says:

    American Express Login offers world-class Charge and Credit Cards, Gift Cards, Rewards, Travel, Personal Savings, Business Services, Insurance.

  18. Jack Addy says:

    What are the common product or service questions raised at Bellsouth Customer Service?
    According to the recent survey report, the general product or service questions raised at Bellsouth Customer Service are Email not working, Damage to the Phone Junction Box outside the Home, issues related to Disconnection, and more. The queries come in abundance and get resolved effectively.

  19. how to start medical coding business

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

  20. how to start a large business with no money

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

  21. how to start a grubhub business

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

  22. honeymoon destinations

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

  23. Thanks for sharing the valuable post. The Help Assignment provides the best history exam help with an affordable price. Our assignment experts provide the history exam on the same deadline. Our professional provides 24*7 service.

  24. This is an excellent blog. I’m at a loss for words to express my gratitude for this post. we collect our keywords and papers. This blog has really impressed me. https://explorewaves.com/

  25. terraria says:

    Many people’s lives can be changed by an excellent book or article. I appreciate you offering this useful information, so please keep it current. I’ll follow you constantly. terraria

  26. Zoya butt says:

    Hiring a sexy call girl is an excellent way to enjoy a night out in Lahore. These call girls are available 24/7 and are ready to serve your every desire. You can hire them with or without a gift. Call Girls Point provides the best female companions in the city at reasonable rates.

  27. 人間には表現不可能なhttps://www.beyourlover.co.jp/sex-toys” title=”大人のおもちゃ”>大人のおもちゃならではの快感。大人のおもちゃが若者の間で非常に人気がありましたが、製品の品質に問題があったり、外観が露骨で女性にとって買いにくいものであったりの問題がありました。
    特に、粗悪なシリコンの使用により深刻な健康上のリスクがあり、多くの女性ユーザーが苦しんでました。 安全で健康的な大人のおもちゃへニーズに答えるため、「健康、上品さ、お洒落、知能的」を中心とするブランド、BeYourLoverが日本で設立されました。

  28. michel says:

    Wellsfargo.com login helps strengthen communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainability.

  29. Shop this best cyberpunk 2077 Leather jacket SHOP NOW

  30. レンタルフォトスタジオ

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

  31. Janjislot says:

    Keberhasilan Sbobet yaitu hasil dari strategi yang akurat dan strategis. Web Janjislot berfungsi untuk meningkatkan langkah kaki virtual di situsnya dan meningkatkan peringkatnya. Ini juga menawarkan permainan sportsbook online terbesar dan peluang kompetitif. Ini juga menawarkan aplikasi untuk hand phone cerdas sehingga Anda bisa menebak dari hand phone cerdas Anda.

  32. スワドル says:

    スワドル

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

  33. things to do in willard ohio

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

  34. How to Chant Ganesha Mantras and Shlokas?

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

  35. Excellent blog. Thank you for sharing this information in this blog. We assist with, Assessment help in the UK. I am a professional assessment help expert. If you are facing problems in Assessment Help contact us we have h expert team. They help to solve your problems quickly.

  36. In short, users of the Coinbase Wallet App can easily withdraw funds from their wallets. This process is easy and we have also discussed the complete cash-out process above on this page. Make sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid issues during the cash out process. Whenever asked, provide the Coinbase Wallet details to proceed to the withdrawal process.
    https://sites.google.com/coinbaseuslogin.com/coinbase-wallet/home

  37. rode says:

    If looking for the best amazon seo services for your site, then you neeed to check out with the site like amazingmarketingco who offers one of the best services.

    Not only, you get the best value for your brand, growing your organic traffic will help to get better updates and for any other services, you can check more details from the site

  38. It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. Also Plumbing SEO service provider. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you!

  39. Thanks for sharing this blog. I am very impressed with your information. I am a professional in
    Dissertation Proofreading services. If you have any problem with Dissertation Proofreading so then contact me.

  40. One can find just about any type of virtual call girl imaginable. The term “independently owned call girls” is commonly used to describe them. The business model presented by “Personal Services in Karachi” is sound. A successful escort service in Karachi requires a diverse team of local and international employees who can not only ride, but also pick up and drop off clients. Making dinner and delivering it to customers’ hotel rooms at airports.

  41. MTOVER says:

    I was looking for such quality articles and good content. We will exchange information and visit frequently in the future.메이저사이트

  42. พวกเราตั้งใจเข้ามาที่บล้อกคุณอย่างดี ขอบคุณที่ยังสร้างบล็อกดีๆแบบนี้

  43. I feel more knowledgeable about it. Do more. I will follow your work. Thank you in advance.

  44. I’m writing on this topic these days, baccaratcommunity, but I have stopped writing because there is no reference material. Then I accidentally found your article. I can refer to a variety of materials, so I think the work I was preparing will work! Thank you for your efforts.

  45. Coinbase Prime says:

    Satang Pro complies with all terms and conditions of cooperation. It is one of the pioneering crypto exchanges in Thailand. Covering a large market share The exchange takes place with relatively low fees and does not hinder trading strategies.

  46. Coinbase says:

    To start your trading journey on Zipmex, you will need to create an account like you would on any other crypto exchange. We will help you create your own account on Zipmex crypto trading exchange:||

  47. Coinbase Prime says:

    You can follow these registration steps from the genuine Bitazza website or download the app for the same, so we will guide you through the registration process that must be followed in order to get an account: ||

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.