Blog Post #6
- How does social media engage in advocacy communications?
Social media engages in advocacy communications because it allows individuals to participate and discuss topics of importance. The interview between Jesse and Markiel Simpson exemplified how Twitter allowed Markiel to engage in an advocacy communication, which later flourished for him. A racist based bomb threat was made at a high school, which sparked the interest of Markiel to engage in creating and implementing Canadian Black History curriculum which he has partnered with BC Community Alliance which has helped gain the attention of the premiere, as well as, the NDP (Miller). This is just one example of how social media engages in advocacy communications; however, I have experienced how social media engages advocacy among my students (fourteen year olds). When the unfortunate death of George Floyd was largely covered on all forms of media, my students showed a very large interest in what happened and why it happened. As a teacher, it was very interesting to see how my students felt about the situation. In my class, I had some very strong advocates that believe the act was based on racism, and on the contrary, some advocated that he deserved to be arrested. Now, almost ten months later we are currently engaged in Black History Month in our Socials class and George Floyd’s name is a topic of interest for the students.
Social media does allow us to connect and advocate together where we feel heard and supported. Simpson’s two hashtags that he uses are #strongertogether and #togetherwerise (Miller). I feel as though these two hashtags define exactly how social media allows advocacy communications among those interested in the same matters. A group of people has more advantage and ability to be heard and seen, in comparison to one individual trying to make a difference.
- How does social media use in public discourse potentially challenge advocacy communications?
As Clark and Aufderheide state social media in public discourse possibly possess a challenge in advocacy communications when looking at “coordination that builds capacity for participation in public media 2.0 will pose a new challenge— distinct from the work of legacy media organizations and untested as yet in the digital era. Functions of a coordinating body would include providing a toolset for public participation” (Clark and Aufderheide). Without a toolset for participation, it leaves the ability to communicate wide open, which can cause major issues. If you are not held responsible for your participation in a social media platform fights and legal issues may arise. I am a firm believer that if you would not say it to a person face-to-face, there is no reason to hide behind a screen and do it.
- Does your PLN amplify the views of others?
I believe that my PLN does amplify the view of others. My PLN in this course is supportive of each other and accepting of others views and beliefs. As of now we have not engaged in controversial topics; however, we have had questions brought up where classmates have different viewpoints and so far it seems as though everyone is accepting and willing to learn from each other. As Markiel Simpson stated, “you are the expert in your own experiences” (Miller), therefore, no one has had the exact same experience as another in our PLN but we can all gain something from one another.
- The policies of employer social media communication expectations.
When thinking of my employer as a teacher we have a strict social media expectation. Our expectation are stated very clear that we do not have students on social media, we do not post anything questionable ex. drinking or drugs,  and avoid engaging in controversial conversations. While in university, we go through a course that includes topics such as social media engagement, and expectations. There are teachers that have themselves into “hot water” over social media conversations and photos; we are constantly reminded that we need to remember that we are professionals.
- How to better use social media to Build PLN
I believe I could better use social media to build a PLN by being more actively engaged; however, I feel with my busy schedule it makes it difficult to always be present. I have interests that I would like to engage on social media to create a PLN which includes, middle school teaching, teen mental health, and teaching as a general topic. When I have completed my course work, and get a better handle on running kids around I will allow myself to engage in PLNs on a more regular basis.
Markiel Simpson’s three favorite mentioned Twitter feed to follow:
@Builtjustice
@MatthewGreenNDP
@AOC
Works Cited
Clark, Jessica, and Patricia Aufderheide. “A New Vision for Public Media: Open, Dynamic, and Participatory.” Media and Social Justice, PDF file , Palgrave Macmillan, 2011, pp. 55-67.
Miller, Jesse. “EDCI 338 – 2021 – 02 – 22 Markiel Simpson.” YouTube, 22 Feb. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCSpm1Lx8-A&feature=youtu.be.