Cultural Change? More Like A New Political Script

Activists do not just use social media to simply seek cultural changes. Their main purpose is promote their platform to reach and change politics. While cultural changes show progress in the beliefs and attitudes of the people, these beliefs can not protect everyone under the law. Social media is a new, direct way for activists to connect with their representatives, and vice versa. It is a perfect tool to create change.

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Many activist movements have utilized social media to emphasize issues that they want politicians to rewrite or write new legislation on. For example, The Women’s Rights Movement is no stranger to campaigning for women in any number of issues, from wage gaps to reproductive rights. However, with the normalcy of social media interaction, the movement can now weigh in on day to day events. In 2013, the ban against women serving in combat was lifted. This progressive stride showed the determination of the movement to work and advocate for gender equality, even if it meant calling the federal government out.

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The Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) also has had extensive influence on politics. From the LA riots of the early 1990s after the Rodney King case to the murder of Freddie Gray in 2015, the BLM continues to bring issues such as police brutality to everyone’s attention. With every new case, the movement shares posts and creates hashtags to make sure the lives lost are not forgotten. Even though this issue may not have to deal with legislation, it influences the judicial branch, one of the most important branches of our government.

All of the work done on behalf of these movements and their base help to inform people on issues that are at the top of our government’s agenda, or should be. By being more informed about the scope of the issues, people are more informed on the issues that they take to their representatives.