Indigenous Representations & Social Media (lecture)
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The document explores the representation of Indigenous Australians in social media and the blogosphere, emphasizing the importance of self-expression, activism, and professional development through blogging. It discusses the challenges faced by Indigenous bloggers, including racism and access to technology, while highlighting their efforts to define their own narratives and create professional opportunities. Additionally, it notes the transformative potential of online platforms for First Nations peoples to develop their voices and challenge traditional publication gatekeepers.
Indigenous Representations & Social Media (lecture)
- 1. Indigenous Representations + Social Media OUB110:Am I black enough? Indigenous Australian representations Leesa Watego @IscariotMedia, @CriticalClassrm @DeadlyBloggers Lecture for Dr Juliana McLaughlin, QUT, April 21, 2015
- 2. Current writings by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people belong within a cultural and historical continuity that predates the invasion whilst utilising, adapting and challenging the written genres and forms of the colonising culture. Anita Heiss
- 3. My name is Leesa, and it’s lovely to meet you :-) You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat, Slideshare Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare (either as leesawatego &/or IscariotMedia). I invite you to connect.
- 6. what is “social” media? - As distinct from “print” media? - User-Generated Content on a diverse range of platforms?
- 7. http://caudallure.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/racist-headline-in-tasmanian-newspaper/
- 8. Herald Sun, 11th April 2015
- 9. “We have been portrayed … as negligent and abusive parents, extremely violent, sexually abusive, corrupt, alcoholic, substance abusers and bludgers on welfare, suffering from cultural dysfunction …” Aileen Moreton-Robinson, 2012
- 11. Research tool (survey) Feminism, Fashion, Design, Lifestyle, Politics, Education, Indigenous Organisations, Language, Culture, Health, Well- being, Professional, Writers, Literature, Business, Arts, Only a small percentage of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people Platforms - Blogger, Wordpress, Tumblr. Majority do not have self-hosted spaces Small percentage have more than one blog All self-taught. A few have attended workshops. Responses -
- 12. Why do you blog? Expression - share my stories, my life, my ideas, my travels, Strategic - build a professional profile Activism - blogging is about Freedom + Empowerment - “no one can stop me”, Professional - income generation Responses -
- 13. Impact of blogging 1. Professional success a. launch of an online magazine b. professional writing gigs (msm), increased credibility, speaking engagements c. publishing contracts 2. Skills development a. improve writing skills b. better engagement c. deeper connections 3. National culture a. Archived in Pandora (National Library) 4. Personal a. Feels good to have a place to “speak in my own voice” Responses -
- 14. Racism and other forms of discrimination Of respondents, only a small percentage indicated they had experienced racism as a result of their blogging. Usually in the comments section. Responses - Most indicated they would not be hesitant about writing something because of the likelihood of racist attack. A few indicated that they have deleted tweets after making them. “some non-Indigenous people Storify tweets out of context” Have you experienced racism as a result of blogging? Do you self-censor your posts to limit racist responses?
- 15. Advice to others concerned about racism Take the good with the bad (like all of life) Use a pseudonym if you’re concerned Take time to post (sleep on it, edit again, before you publish) There will always be haters, be courageous Don’t take it personally Know the risks before you start. Think about privacy before you start Build a supportive network Do not read the comments Responses -
- 16. Your Blogging Goals Responses - Build an app and other products Build a more professional blog Earn a living Generate more msm writing opportunities Generate online products - films, screenwriting, books Build a regular readership
- 17. Biggest hurdles for Murris in the blogosphere Responses - Technology Access Racism - from commenters, lateral violence Promotion Time!!! Pigeonholed into “an Indigenous blogger” category
- 18. General comments Because of blogging ... I feel less alone I’ve found my voice I’ve found new direction, career I’ve made new friends and partnerships Blogging ... Takes too much time Is great, but the Australian media & trolls make it very tough for Indigenous voices => Write what you love, don’t think of the $ yet
- 22. Blogging, & other forms of online publication, allow writers to define themselves (and their Aboriginality). It can provide a space where First Nations Peoples can play, explore, create, debate, rant and vent, satirise, and philosophise the world in which we live. Online publication, like other forms of publication, are defined by particular structures. Issues of access, ownership, permanence, and security all impact on the effectiveness of online publication for First Nations Peoples. But the potential to throw down or bypass the gatekeepers of traditional publication is too great to ignore.
- 23. Additional Reading ● Melissa Sweet (2009) Is the media part of the Aboriginal Health problem, and part of the solution? ● Luke Pearson at TEDx Canberra - discussing the inspiration for his development of @IndigenousX ● Bronwyn Carlson (2014) Well-Connected Indigenous kids keen to tap new ways to save lives