Power of social media

by shawarma16

With the millions of apps, websites and other platforms for people to communicate through media that are all over the Internet these days, this is truly the age of social media.

It’s one of the many stories we hear about that show how social media has given people the power to get their voices heard, especially for those who feel they are underrepresented in the media. More than ever teens and young adults are utilizing these social media platforms for social causes, not just updating friends and family about their personal lives; they are trying to achieve change through communication technologies.

With greater access to more information, the voiceless become more powerful; their words can be listened to, their photos and videos being shared repeatedly. An example of this is called Hashtag Activism and it has played a large and rather vital role in spreading the news of social issues, such as racism, sexism and foreign concerns. #BlackLivesMatter, #HeForShe, #BringBackOurGirls and #YesAllWomen are just some of the hashtags used to raise awareness and rally for change.

Segregation and racism

by shawarma16

Freedom Writers scene

Erin Gruwell: You hate me? You don’t even know me.

Student: I know what you can do. I saw white cops shoot my friend in the back for reaching into his pocket, his pocket! I saw white cops come into my house and take my father away for no REASON except they feel like it! Except because they can! And they can because they’re white.
So I HATE white people on sight!

Freedom Writers is an American film based on a true story as it is recounted in the diaries of Miss Gruwell and 150 “unteachable” and “at-risk” students in Long Beach, California. The new high school teacher miraculously manages to grab the attention of the tough teenagers by making them see what segregation and racism led to during the Second World War. On a visit to the Holocaust section in the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, they are introduced to the story of the young Dutch Jewish girl, Anne Frank, and her destiny as a Holocaust victim. They detect many parallels to their own suburban lives as members of dysfunctional families and rough gangs.

I chose this film and specific clip because it has similarities to the theme of racism in Once Upon A Time In Punchbowl but is a different focus as it looks to the past of an Arab community, the Lebanese in Australia – tracing the history of this community, their search for an identity, and their struggle to be accepted as Australians.

As they adapt to their newfound home, the first generation is confronted by a complex reality of racism, drugs and religious extremism. Lebanese Australians work hard to establish their families, but a series of domestic and global crises focus negative media attention on the community, forcing them to fight to be recognised as part of a broader Australia.

 

Digital community reflection

by shawarma16

How can I be part of a meaningful and ethical global digital community? As a member of this 21st-century society and user of digital and online content, I have rights and responsibilities that establish guidelines for appropriate use of technology. Some include the right to online privacy and freedom of expression as well as the responsibility of using digital media wisely and respecting the work of others. Being part of this community, it is wise to familiarise myself with what rights and responsibilities I have upon myself to ensure I am always in the safe and not caught in the wrong. Hiding behind the screen under the perception that no one will be identified, caught or punished will most likely have a bad influence on the way I use technology.