BLM Spotlight
Notification: Account
Blocked
by Maysaa Jankara
Social media is a platform to interact, connect, and
share. In some occasions, it could make a positive
impact in the world. But why is racism still circulating
in social media platforms such as Twitter and
Instagram?
The Black Lives Matter movement continues to bring
attention to racism – still social media users are
expressing bigotry in their posts, and since Black people
already face racial oppression, racism in social media is
also harmful and dehumanising. It’s worth
keeping in mind that the Black Lives Matter movement
has been actively fighting to eliminate racism, since it
was founded. The killing of George Floyd has sparked
a fever within the Black community globally, and
enough was enough when it comes to police brutality,
systematic racism, and institutional racism.
Why should racism, hate, and violence still have a space
in social media platforms?
What type of racism is presented in social media?
According to the July 2020 data provided by Statista, it
is estimated that 30.9% of people that use Twitter are
aged between 25-35. The next
highest user rate is 18 to 24 year
olds with 27%. As platforms, such
as Twitter and Instagram, have
huge followers of young adults,
it’s important to understand why these platforms play
a significant role in our lives, as it is another hub on
sharing and holding conversations.
Britney Porter is the Founder of HB+ Porter, an activist,
global brand consultant, and business advisor.
HB+ Porter “researches, identifies, and documents
the behaviours, wants, needs, and demands of
complex culture populations.” They use this research
to “create bold business solutions that drive social
transformation.”
Porter highlights from observation, the racism that
circulates in social platforms. “In social media, there
seems to be a lot of content being passed around that
lacks substance and relevancy to the Black experience
at a local or global level. Instead, constant messaging in
the forms of quotes and advice encourages Black/POC
(People of Colour) communities to match the attitudes,
beliefs, and behaviours of White/European behaviours,
norms, experiences, and practices.”
She adds, “To me, this is very racist and lacks the
foundational value of equality. The whole culture
of changing and rescuing people is deeply rooted in
supremacy, conformity, and assimilation. To empower
means to unconditionally see merit in any group and to
work towards building a community and obtaining the
group. But those demands and needs should only
be determined by them. Putting one group down to
uplift another, or essentially encouraging one group
to conform to a belief system or lifestyle deemed as
‘superior’ isn’t empowerment, or productive, or aligned
with a society free of prejudice and bias. This is a
common practice that is deeply rooted in colonisation.”
Kirstie Kwarteng, a PhD student at SOAS University
of London, said, “I have seen it directly towards
other people, the use of racial slurs, or in the case of
Black women, people making fun of Black women.
Particularly dark skinned Black women, for being dark,
that they are unattractive, they look like monkeys and
things of that nature.”
What responsibilities are these platforms taking?
According to Twitter’s Hateful Conduct Policy, it states,
“You may not promote violence against or directly
attack or threaten other people on the basis of race,
ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation,
gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age,
disability, or serious disease. We also do not allow
accounts whose primary purpose is inciting harm
towards others on the basis of these categories.”
The platform adds, “Freedom of expression means
little if voices are silenced because people are afraid to
speak up. We do not tolerate behaviour that harasses,
intimidates, or uses fear to silence another person’s
voice.”
Far-right social media users, such as Tommy Robinson,
Katie Hopkins, and former KKK Grand Wizard David
Duke have been banned on Twitter. Hopkins made her
disdain for the Black Lives Matter movement vocal on
Twitter.
The death of George Floyd, a Black man in the United
States, who died after a White police officer knelt on his
neck during his arrest, have up-roared a global protest.
In reference to the social media trend Blackout
Tuesday, Hopkins wrote on Twitter, “Today is
#whiteoutwednesday. I will shortly be posting a picture
of my arse. Thank you.”
It was announced that Hopkins’ account was suspended
from Twitter, on the 19th of June 2020, for violating
Twitter’s Hateful Conduct Policy. A statement from
Twitter said, “Keeping Twitter safe is a top priority for
us – abuse and hateful conduct have no place on our
service and we will continue to take action when our
rules are broken.”
Porter tells of the possible measures that could be taken
to stop racism and hate speech. She emphasises on the
acknowledgement of improving Black/POC leadership
in tech organisations.
appropriate resources to help meet the needs of that
14 Who to follow:
Twitter: @HBHelloBritney
website: www.professionalblackgirl.com
“Allowing these people and firms to define what
phrases, slurs, and words are inappropriate on their
platforms; Holding people accountable who aren’t
aligned with our greatest good and those who aren’t
committed to doing what it takes to eliminate racism, to
take up space and speak for those of us who want
to create radical social and political change; New data
and education regarding crediting Black culture and its
overall contributions to our entire economic and social
systems.”
Kwarteng said, “In the U.S. people have said ‘free
speech, let me say what I want’, but I feel like there
has to be limits on things.’ It does seem like – at least
on paper - Twitter and Instagram do have measures
in place where you can report racist feeds, and racist
accounts, but sometimes the platforms themselves
won’t take stuff down, because of free speech. And if
you don’t like what is said, you can block them.”
She added that the platforms themselves have to take
this very seriously, as the measures are already in place,
and Kwarteng thinks it’s the actual implementation of
them that’s important.
How can we utilise social media to diversify
ourselves, and use it positively?
#STOPONLINERACISM
Social media platforms can also be used for users to
diversify who they follow, read, and watch. The more
contact users have with
People of Colour and Black
communities, that are
making a positive change,
could lead to a less racist and more informative social
platforms.
“Social media is a great platform to network, build
a strong community, and also a great tool for
experimental marketing and to gain fresh insight.
Through unique interactions and conversations, people
can diversify themselves by having access to new data,
opinions, and support,” said Porter.
“There are lots of issues in social media, but also a lot
of good. You can find lots of 0f Black people that are
doing, so many types of things,” said Kwarteng, adding,
“A person that I follow on Instagram called Professional
Black Girl and it’s run by Dr. Yaba Blay and her platform
focuses specifically on Black women. Sometimes she
will post things from other People of Colour. I am a
Black-woman so I follow her because she highlights
great things. I learnt a lot about the other people of
colour [from her] posts.”
It’s evident to say that Twitter are taking the
appropriate measures to stop the spread of racism
and hate speech. However, this is just a starting point.
Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, and TikTok need to do more to identify
other individuals who are less obvious in spreading hate
and racism, and this could lead to a change in attitudes.