I’m working on a writing discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Compare or contrast the first example with the other example. Do the examples use similar strategies? Or do they reflect different approaches to creating social change?

Compare this

#WhyIStayed

#WhyIStayed The “#WhyIStayed” was initiated by a woman who was a victim of domestic violence. It showed the message that there are many reasons why an abuse victim endures the abuse. The hashtag represents a common misconception about victims of domestic violence. In response to the hashtag, opponents argue that victims of domestic violence should leave their abusive partners out of compassion for themselves and their children (Linabary et al., 2020). Contrary, it is not always easy for someone to leave their partners even when the circumstances are unfavorable. In conclusion, domestic violence can be unpredictable and even detrimental to one’s health. When abusers control their victim, they usually threaten to hurt themselves or their children. Many abuse victims are afraid that the abuser may hurt them or their children if they leave. The joining of hands by women helped make their voices heard by everyone.

Fig 1.0: Image showing the “WhyIStayed” hashtag

Ray Rice video sparks massive Twitter conversation with #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft | Daily Mail Online

References 

Linabary, J. R., Corple, D. J., & Cooky, C. (2020). Feminist activism in digital space: Postfeminist contradictions in# WhyIStayed. New Media & Society, 22(10), 1827-1848.

With this:

A kind of remix that I have encountered is the meme remix. When issues occur around the world they are quickly turned into memes. This could be because it is something easy to read that often is funny and draws people’s attention. Using things people already recognize helps to draw their attention. They also tend to still keep some of the comedy even when it is something serious they are talking about. 

I picked this example because it adds to the idea of global warming. It is not a huge long text or anything but just something simple that someone can read and get the issue they are talking about. Gries states that “Remix, in the twenty-first century, has also become a ubiquitous political practice for activating change, reaching out to international audiences, and building alliances of pro-

test across the globe.” The meme is easily able to do that and it is something that people can easily share over social media and as long as you know English you can understand it. It is an easy way to connect with people on an issue that they may also be dealing with where they are from. Mcvey and Woods focus on hashtags but some of their arguments can apply to memes as well. They can add to a movement or hurt a movement due to people editing or changing the words to adapt their own anti-movement. You could easily cross out the bottom line of the meme and put something like “way less snow!” or something to promote how the north pole melting is a good thing. It is something to be careful about when promoting change.