Au Contraire...
Wounded Not Woke: Why social media may be leaving social justice movements worse for wear
Artwork by Kiera Liblik, Meds ‘23
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efore anyone gets too bent out of shape over what I am about to say, let me preface this piece by saying that I fully and firmly believe in the power of debate and discussion. My upbringing strongly instilled two fundamental beliefs in me: 1. Knowledge is power and 2. The pen is mightier than the sword. These beliefs have culminated in me drawing the conclusion that words are the most compelling tools we have to share information, and thus, power. However, I also believe that words have to be used in the appropriate context to be efficacious. Quite frankly, I am not sure we are doing it right at the moment. Let’s dive into the topic at hand. Over the past few months, the parallel trajectories of covid and the BLM have created an interesting climate for discussion to take place. With the election adding another layer to the conversation, I think it’s fair to say there has never been a dull moment nor a lull in the conversation. My reintroduction to the BLM movement this spring took place in early April, with the publicizing of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder, accompanied by a widespread mass media disapproval of the injustice his family faced at the hands of the judicial system. The video of his murder circled social media platforms, rousing varied reactions from its viewers.
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