Activism is an act that individuals undertake to bring about social change through collective action. It involves speaking out against oppressive systems and fighting for justice for all members of society. Activists are usually seen as brave people who take risks to challenge the status quo.
There has been a recent rise in online performance as a new form of activism or identity construction. This essay will examine whether online performance can be considered a legitimate form of activism or identity construction.
Online performance involves using digital platforms such as social media to express oneself creatively and communicate messages to large audiences.
Drag queens and kings perform their artistic talents through online videos posted on YouTube or Instagram. Similarly, influencers create fashion and makeup tutorials on TikTok and Instagram. Others write blog posts and articles on platforms like Medium and WordPress to share their opinions and experiences. Online performances have become popular due to the internet's ability to reach millions of people worldwide. They provide a space where artists can showcase their talents without geographical restrictions.
Online performances can be categorized into two groups; activist performances and personal identity construction performances. Activist performances aim at creating awareness and challenging societal norms by addressing pressing issues affecting different communities.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) has used social media platforms to speak out against police brutality and racial discrimination. They organize protests online and share their stories through hashtags such as blacklivesmatter, icantbreathe, and saytheirnames. Other activists use online platforms to raise awareness about climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality. In contrast, personal identity construction performances involve individuals sharing their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences in hopes that others relate to them. This could range from posting photos of yourself wearing your favorite outfit to discussions on mental health struggles.
While both forms of online performance are valid ways of expressing oneself, some argue that activism requires physical presence and direct action. Physical demonstrations allow activists to engage with people directly, which creates an emotional connection that cannot be achieved virtually. Besides, online activism lacks accountability because it is not easily traceable. It is difficult to verify whether someone is genuinely fighting for justice or merely seeking attention.
The lack of body language makes it hard to assess how sincere someone's intentions are when they post a photo holding a sign.
Critics of online performance argue that digital spaces provide equal opportunities to marginalized groups who would otherwise face barriers in traditional activism. Individuals living in conservative societies where they risk arrest, imprisonment, or death can create blog posts without revealing their identities. Online performance allows them to speak out against oppression and bring attention to issues affecting their communities without putting themselves at risk.
Women's rights activist Neda Agha-Soltan used her YouTube channel to protest against government corruption during Iran's Green Movement. She posted videos urging citizens to join the movement before she was shot by security forces during a peaceful rally. Her story inspired many young people across the world, leading to more political awareness among youth.
Online performances have become a legitimate form of activism or identity construction. They provide a platform for individuals to voice their opinions, build communities, and challenge social norms.
Their effectiveness in creating real change depends on the intention behind them. While some performers use social media as a way to raise awareness about pressing issues, others use it to further their personal interests. Regardless, online performance has enabled minority voices to be heard despite restrictions on physical gatherings.
Can online performance be considered a legitimate form of activism or identity construction?
There is no doubt that there has been an explosion of online performance as a means of expressing one's identity or engaging in social change. The Internet has made it possible for individuals from all walks of life to connect with each other on various platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. Performers can now create their own content, share messages, interact with others, and even collaborate on projects that promote important causes.