A CoLA-Verse Summer Discussion Series

Presented by the College of Liberal Arts

“Social Media In the Time of Protest and Pandemic”

Led by Dr. Kristal Walker

On Thursday, July 9th at 1:00 pm.

In this age of protest against racial injustice, how can we leverage our social media accounts so that we become effective digital activists? What strategies work and what strategies don’t work as well to effect change, move others to act, and disseminate information? What roles do virtue signaling and performative ally-ship play on social media? What about re-posting other people’s content–is it ethical? Is social media a dependable tool for social change or does it have too many competing priorities (how do you “fit” selfies into social activism? do travel pictures belong alongside calls to action? does variable content mean you’re not as committed to the cause?)?

Discussion Questions for Participants:

• Have you ever been a target of racial injustice, bias or micro-aggression? If so, can you briefly share your experience?

• In what ways have you personally found Social Media helpful in sharing your own perspective about local and global issues?

• Do you believe social media is a help or a hindrance to decreasing racial injustice? Explain.

Background reading materials for discussion preparation: 

Familiarize yourself with the concept of “racial trauma” and the different forms it takes as defined in the article, How Organizations Can Support the Mental Health of Black Employees.

If you have additional time, we encourage you to look into this longer reading list for personal use.

Updated on July 7th, 2020