The Amplification of Minority Voices Through Social Media

Abstract

As the world becomes more interconnected, the number of conversations is also increasing. Meanwhile, the importance of diverse dialogues is more critical in promoting multiple voices. Examples of this are the movements of #MeToo that talk about harassment and discrimination, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign that campaigns against racism, etc. Various social media platforms have a significant role in fostering a conversation that can be more representative of minority groups . Either on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc., solidarity for these gender and racial movements is often expressed. There are also struggles against the hegemony, oppressive structures, and norms of society that are expressed and disseminated. On Twitter, this action was marked by a hashtag that trended rapidly in a matter of time.

1. Based on that issue, the purposes of this study are those who want to discuss and see tendencies in the discussion of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, and how social media is a platform that can be used as a public sphere that is in the interests of both the movement and hegemony. Theory is used to break down and explain that question: public sphere, counter-public sphere, and HERMENEUTIC CODE (dialogical expansion). The methodology used to answer those questions also includes coding analysis with the construction of additional code, as well as online and offline observation of the conditions under which the hashtag originated, how distribution moved, and discourses that tried to engage in conversations that continued to the present time. After gathering data and analyzing it, several conclusions were reached. First, engagement and discussion on social media regarding racial issues in America were really evident. People who generally only have personal problems want to know and discuss the problem further. Second, even though conversation becomes polarized, the presentation of various perspectives must be appreciated. Social media as a public sphere is seen as an information center for those who do not understand the movement.

1.1. Keywords

amplification, minority voices, social media, underrepresented groups, representation, lived experiences, online platforms, challenges, online spaces