Social Media for Social Change

The Question: How do you see YOUR use of social media tools supporting concrete social change?

Speak personally and out of your own direct experience.

My use of social media has been...well...social! I communicate with family and friends through facebook, I watch and occasionally post youtube videos, and I use social media tools to plan and organize meetings for my temple youth group, school student senate, and various other organizations. Some of this communication has led to concrete social action, but it is difficult to suggest that this action has led to social change. One of the most amazing ways in which social media differ from traditional media are their ability to be altered by both the creator and the audience. However, although social media themselves change, a more profound effect can be seen in changes that the users of social media experience. I have now witnessed first-hand how social media can give individuals courage and a voice, how they can open one's mind and eyes to truth in the world. During my trip to the Caucasus, I met several journalism students that felt that blogging and other social media were the future of free speech in their countries. In fact, social media have inspired fear in opponents of free speech. Throughout the globe, bloggers and other civilian journalists have faced criticism and punishment from their governments for expressing their views to the masses using social media. I pray that my involvement in DOTCOM and the work that we have done with social media have inspired my peers to become the next generation of free speech activists. I have seen concrete evidence of a change in the DOTCOM group mentality, and I hope that this change is evident to all as we prepare to express ourselves through social media at the Social Media for Social Change Conference.

DOTCOM Phase 3 Module # 2: REEL BAD ARABS

I would like to apologize for the late response. This module was originally due on the Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur and after observing the holiday, I was behind not only in my DOTCOM work, but in my schoolwork as well. One of the beautiful things about the DOTCOM program is its diversity, and as a diverse program featuring individuals of different backgrounds, I know that everyone reading this post will understand the delay. THANKS!

Ready?

"Arab."

Without thinking, write down the very first thing that came into your mind.

The first thing that came to my mind when I heard “Arab” was the word “oil”. I know that the majority of Arabs are not involved in the oil trade. However, the mainstream media’s focus on the Arab world is directed primarily on Western involvement in the Middle East. Many of the conflicts in the Middle East, or at least the involvement of America in many Middle Eastern conflicts is related in some way to oil. I do not feel that I have associated Arabs as a whole with oil, but rather American relations with the Arab world. “Arab” describes an enormously diverse group of people. Anyone that identifies with a certain linguistic, cultural or genealogical history can be considered Arab. There are Arab Muslims, Christians, Jews, Atheists, and believers in hundreds of other faiths. Arabs live all over the world. Some live in Western Asia, Northern Africa, Europe, the United States—there is even a large Arab population in Brazil. Asking what do you think of when you hear “Arab” is like asking what one thinks of when he or she hears “European”. The groups of people described by both of these terms are so diverse and unique that it is incredibly difficult to even pinpoint the first word that comes to mind.

1. THE THREE-PART BRAIN - In what ways do YOU think REEL BAD ARABS attracted your REPTILIAN (instinctual), FEELING (limbic) and THINKING (neo-cortex) brains?

My reptilian brain was definitely affected by the images of violence and guns that triggered my instinctual “flight or fight” defense mechanisms. Every image was primarily evaluated on whether or not the individual depicted seemed threatening, attractive, or edible. Typical reptilian :-D . My limbic brain responded to the music (the strings in the beginning really drew me in to the film), and the diversity of images. My limbic brain added secondary emotional qualities to the reptilian response. Sometimes, the images were outrageously stereotypical, almost comedic. My neo-cortex evaluated not only what was being narrated, it also analyzed the response that my reptilian and limbic brains had to the film. I realized that a lot of the stereotypes portrayed were one’s incredibly to familiar to me. I found REEL BAD ARABS incredibly interesting.

2.PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES - List and describe one specific production technique - lighting, music, camera effects, editing - used by REEL BAD ARABS.

Editing: Many of the clips were taken from other sources such as older Hollywood films. These clips were brilliantly and smoothly spliced together and moved quickly enough to keep the viewer involved. The narration was consistently audible and the music choice really set the mood for the film.

3. PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES - Looking at our list of 24 plus persuasive techniques, list and describe a specific moment from the film as an example of THREE different specific persuasive techniques used by our filmmakers.

Scapegoat – although the film itself is trying to combat the use of Arabs as a cultural scapegoat, part of the irony is the video’s persuasive portrayal of Hollywood as the responsible party for producing the majority of Arab stereotypes. In other words, Hollywood is REEL BAD ARABS’ Scapegoat.

Fear/Defense/Nationalism – the film itself does not use this persuasive technique. However, it claims that Hollywood has been taking advantage of fear and nationalism to create the majority of Arab stereotypes.

Timing – the film does a fantastic job of incorporating clips and keeping the viewer constantly involved in the video’s message.

4. SUGGESTIONS - Offer one specific suggestion for the REEL BAD ARABS filmmakers that might make their film even more powerful.

Other than Hollywood footage, the film offers no specific evidence that the stereotypes portrayed in the film still exist in modern culture (and I know they do). The film would be much more powerful if it featured non-Arab individuals voicing their stereotypes and explaining how Hollywood has affected their view of Arabs. This would allow the film to target a much larger audience as well. Right now the audience most suited to viewing this film are those that have already admitted that they have biases and stereotypes and have a larger understanding of the Arab world than the clichés discussed in the video.

5. Would you recommend this film for viewing with friends or colleagues? Why or why not?

I would definitively recommend this to a friend. However, as I mentioned earlier, the film is not suited to those whose only understanding of the Arab world is their own stereotypes. I would only suggest this film to individuals that have an open mind and an understanding of Arabs that exceeds the stereotypes mentioned in REEL BAD ARABS.

DOTCOM Phase 3: Module # 1!

1. What proved the most challenging part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

The challenges that existed in creating a truly intercultural experience were among the most difficult. When the Azerbaijani arrival was delayed, it was challenging to face the fact that they had not experienced the teambuilding and group bonding that took place in D.C., not to mention that they’d missed our nation’s capital! Tension existed in the group the instant that all thirty of us were finally united. It was challenging to learn that a program that had been intended to be very public could not feature images of many of the participants. It was challenging to facilitate the cooperation of students from Armenia and Azerbaijan. And it was challenging to acquire the responsibilities that someone in my particular position had to accept. Seeing our videos become censured and removed from youtube.com was particularly heartbreaking. However, the joys of expanding my knowledge and of seeing so many personal connections form over the three weeks in Vermont make it CHALLENGING to find the DOTCOM program challenging at all.

2. What proved the most rewarding part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

In my entire life I have never learned so much in a three and a half week period! The opportunity to be exposed to different perspectives, to play my role as an American student (not to be confused with a Vermonter :-) ), and to learn about filmmaking were incredibly rewarding. However, the most valuable things I gained from my DOTCOM adventure in Vermont were all of my fantastic new friends (and no—they’re not imaginary)! The only thing more rewarding than making my own friends was seeing these friends, each with a very different background, make friends with each other across the various lines that exist in a program such as DOTCOM.

3. What proved the most fun part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

I loved meeting my new friends from other parts of the US, from Armenia and from Azerbaijan. I was exposed to new languages customs and games, I heard of some truly bizarre places (like Okmulgee, Oklahoma), and got the opportunity to work with some truly brilliant and amazing kids. Our many adventures, such as Geo-caching (sorry Niko :-) ), and marching with a rubber chicken and a yak farmer in the Fourth of July parade, have left me with some incredibly valuable memories of all of the fun and amazing things I did in part one of the DOTCOM program.

4. What are you most excited about, looking forward to our online Phase 3 DOTCOM experience coming up this fall?

I am thrilled to be able to work alongside my DOTCOM peers once more as we continue to expand our media literacy and learn more about ourselves and each other.

Perhaps my proudest moment during the DOTCOM program, the Games Mistress of the Night grants me sole custody of our beloved "Lennon" :-)

RUBY!!!

Today we got our flip cameras and I wanted to try posting a video from my camera to YouTube. Ruby is my host dog and she escaped today just as we got home, so Jacob and I were forced to hunt the little devil!

Day # 5: Our First DOTCOM Reflection!!!

1. In Washington, D.C., I was exposed to all kinds of new information about media methods, the growth of media, and media ethics. My first lesson on media in D.C. came from the US State Department concerning the use of a new software interface called CO.NX. This software allows anyone from around the world, regardless of Internet speed, to access and discuss political events online .

Although this technology is new and still has its limitations, there is great potential in the use of web 2.0 technologies when attempting to bring awareness to the world of politics. I also learned a bit about media ethics from NPR ombudsman Alicia Shepard.
Mrs. Shepard explained that in a world in which the news has become an increasingly accessible and personal entity, it is also becoming increasingly more difficult to verify whether or not the news one reads on a blog or website is necessarily true. Finally, while in D.C., I became acquainted with Twitter for the first time, as well as Skype. If anyone wishes to use these web 2.0 technologies to communicate with me, my username for Twitter is "flagchicken" (after the DOTCOM mascot, Lenin) and for Skype it is david.sackstein92. (Even Mrs. Shepard friended me on facebook :-) )

2. In D.C., I learned a lot about my DOTCOM colleagues from other countries. They are all interesting, talented, kind, curious, and incredibly intelligent individuals. My first night in D.C. was an immersion experience as I was in a room with only Armenian students. However, my Armenian friends were accepting and patient with me, and they have generously given me the opportunity to learn some Armenian from them. Although the Azerbaijani students arrived late, I had a fantastic first impression of these DOTCOM colleagues. They, too, have been willing to teach me their language, and all of my foreign friends have been warm and friendly. This is my roommate, Niko, we enjoyed an interesting adventure today that I will have to blog about later :-) .

3. The most challenging aspect of the DOTCOM program so far has been the delayed arrival of the Azerbaijani students. Had these DOTCOMers arrived earlier, they would not have missed the valuable team-building activities that the American and Armenian students had enjoyed in D.C. the unfortunate tension upon the arrival of the Azerbaijani students was almost palpable. However, all of my DOTCOM friends are such excellent people that I am sure that we will all be a beautifully functioning group in no time at all. I greatly look forward to working with all of my DOTCOM friends, and by the end of the next three weeks, it will be as if there could never have been barriers between us.

4. It has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to meet my DOTCOM colleagues in person. I felt as if I knew them from their blogs and videos, but they are even more impressive in person! I have learned so much from them and about them. From my Armenian friends, I have been privileged enough to learn about the Armenian language and culture, and the same is true for the Azerbaijani students and their language and culture. From my American Friends, I have been exposed to their unique perspectives and beliefs. After all, every one of these unique individuals brings something special to the table. It has been incredibly interesting to learn about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan from students from these countries. However, I feel that many of the most rewarding experiences are yet to come.

REEL ACTION FILMS!!!

1. My top choice for a REEL ACTION film is the theme of religion. I have always been fascinated by the role that religion plays in global society, whether it acts as a source of peace and spirituality, a source of diversity, or even as a source of conflict. Religion and religious diversity play a particularly special role in my life. My Jewish faith influences many of my decisions and provides me with a supportive religious community as well sense of spiritual stability and belonging. I have been involved in my local interfaith community for several years, helping to plan social action projects through the MICAH interfaith organization and through the interfaith club at my school, Breaking Barriers. I feel that the modern concept of religious “tolerance” is flawed, as we must not only tolerate the beliefs of others, we must learn to accept and embrace them. I would express this view in my REEL ACTION film.

2. My second choice for a REEL ACTION film is the theme of Race/Ethnic Issues. Once again, I feel that tolerance of others is not enough; we must learn to embrace and accept the diversity of the world around us. This is a particularly relevant issue to this program, as Armenian, Azerbaijani, and American students will try to pave paths of friendship between groups of people that have been in conflict for generations. We fear what we do not understand, but through the experiences we will gain through this program, a bright future of peace awaits us.

3. My third choice for a REEL Action film is the theme of Peace/War/Conflict. War and conflict result from ignorance, while peace is a product of understanding. As we grow and learn from each other in the DOTCOM Program, we will lay the foundations of peace and friendship and try to better understand each other and the root of our confusion. We live in a world constantly at war and in conflict. However, through our actions, we may be able to teach the world how to achieve peace.

90 Second Elevator Pitch!!!