Activism and Disobedience

In this week's readings the main theme we are looking at is the idea that the media is a form of activism. This meaning that by sharing information of social media sites like twitter and Facebook can actually make a change in our world. But this thought is only true to a certain extent. In an article for BCC news written by Kate Dailey called, "Kony2012: The Rise of Online Campaigning," she rightfully explains that it is impossible for the spreading of this Kony video is going to make any real impact. I remember that some people promoting this campaign actually came to my high school during my senior year and I saw this 30-minute documentary they made. Sure, it made people feel something and want to stand up for social and political justice, but what are we honestly supposed to do for these refugees? We simply don’t have the power, and it is much more complicated then they made it seem. Then, Dailey mentioned how some campaigns work such as a social media effort that pulled advertising from the Rush Limbaugh show after he called a student a slut because she was advocating for insurance for birth control. In smaller cases like this, I believe it is possible to do some social and political good. But in bigger cases, there is definitely a difference between making people aware of something and actually making a change. Sure, everyone knows Kony’s name, but did anything happen more then it was a trending topic on twitter? I don’t think so. In conclusion, I think social media is a good place to spread awareness, but not exactly a platform for change.