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@latinxtherapy

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The Flower of Power is a tool designed to get people thinking about their social locations and the power, privileges and oppression experienced as a result.

Bishop A. (2002). Becoming an ally: Breaking the cycle of oppression in people (p. 129-130). Halifax: Fernwood Publishing.

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Do Social Networking Sites (SNS) engender more equity and inclusion while communicating about difference? Why?

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Do Social Networking Sites (SNS) engender more equity and inclusion while communicating about difference? Why?

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In my experience i have found that SNS do offer a chance of inclusion because most of these platforms hold space for public and private commentary. Because it is a public domain, discussions can be had with transparency and inclusion. In terms of equity that comes out of those discussions, there are quite a few nuances to consider. First of all, although access to the internet is available it doesn't always mean its accessible. Only those with access to the a capable device and internet can be involved in a discussion about difference.  This can exclude those that do not have the capability to engage.  The impact of the discussion is what is difficult to ascertain because there are equity issues for the creators of the content as well.

If you work for a government entity or a community based agency that is dependent on grant monies, chances are there is no money for robust social media engagement and relationship building. In the advertising world its called "relationship annuity" and most private companies understand that power of public relations. Literature review finds that community organizations still struggle with using social media to turn engagement into action. Research has found that community and advocacy groups, "seem to adopt the position that the mere creation of an interactive space via a social networking profile is sufficient for facilitating dialogue. However, these organizations are missing a significant opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders by failing to effectively utilize the full gambit [sic] of dialogic strategies that social networking sites offer. As with Web sites and weblogs, advocacy groups are not taking advantage of the dialogic strategies afforded by social networking’ (Bortree and Seltzer, 2009).

Harris, K. and McCabe, A. (2017). Community Action and Social Media (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.: A Review of the Literature. Third Sector Research Centre.

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How are social locations portrayed on social media?

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How are social locations portrayed on social media?

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In my opinion social location is sometimes the basis of certain social media platforms. For example social networks like Instagram and Youtube have niches for just about all social locations and intersections. Youtube hosts videos created by makeup enthusiasts and professionals. Their content is created for certain ages, appearances and classes. For example, “Dupe” videos are about finding low-end products with the same quality and pay off as a higher-end item. “Drugstore” makeup tutorials differ in that they do not use high-end product that is usually found in major department stores or on private retailers online.  Instagram is home to similar content, but through photograph and micro-video format.

I feel that he type of social media that we are exposed to is just as reflective as the places that we live, play, work and learn. The portrayal of the social locations that i am exposed to on social media is based on my tracked activity or the places in the web that i visit. I am a heterosexual woman of mixed race and cultures, barely breaking into the middle-class. The social media that i expose myself to the most are Instagram, Youtube and Snapchat. Below are examples of how social locations are portrayed based on my “likes”.

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How is difference discussed on social networking sites such as Instagram, Facebook or Twitter? Consider both, content offering and comments posted

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How is difference discussed on social networking sites such as Instagram, Facebook or Twitter? Consider both, content offering and comments posted

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I have been watching social media platforms develop over the last twenty years and i have exposed myself to some thought provoking content and have been part of heated debates with strangers over ideas as small as the authenticity of tacos to identity politics and religion. Just as in real life, when emotion and ego take over the discussion, logic becomes faulty and the micro-aggressions begin until they snowball and explode. I think one of the difficulties in online discussion is the inability to also read body language. Depending on our biases, the tone that we take to comments can be taken both negatively and positively. I have found and also observed that even when valid questions are asked like references and proof the conversation can turn into an accusation of “trolling”. When i have humbled myself to the new information i was receiving, i learned a lot, about a subject i already thought i knew so much about.