The Impact of Social Media on Political Activism - Free Essay Example

Purpose: I will inform my audience about the various ways in which social media impacts political activism. Central Idea: Social media is influential in political activism because it can promote activism efforts, transmit messages in a variety of ways, and influence those with positive social media experiences to engage in offline activism efforts. INTRODUCTION: (Attention Grabber) My first experience with political social media was with my grandfather. He would email me links to political facebook posts multiple times a day most ended up in my spam folder. Now, social media use surrounding political issues has evolved for most of us to extend beyond emails from our grandparents. (Reveal Topic) The use of social media has had a profound impact on how we perceive and engage with the political world around us. (Credibility Statement) My extensive research on this topic and personal experience with social media politics on Twitter and Instagram gives me the knowledge and first-hand experience needed to speak on this topic. (Relevancy Statement) Youve all seen posts on twitter, facebook, and instagram about politics. Maybe youve been the one making the posts. Politics is practically unavoidable on social media, and we all should *** research on percentagesnot persuave laguanges know how it impacts us. Question? This is an every day part of our lives (Preview) Social media directly affects activism efforts in both positive and negative ways, transmits various types of messages, and encourages those with positive social media experiences to engage in offline activism efforts. Transition: As social media continues to affect our daily lives, it has various influences on political activism efforts BODY: Main Point 1: There are pros and cons to using social media to promote activism efforts. Activism through social media may lead to low quality commentary, but has had impact on formal political decision-making. While activism through social media is efficient, it could lead to an increase in low quality or irrelevant commentary (Breuer et. al., 2012) For example, grassroots campaigns have a positive influence on activism goals, but self-expression and individualistic posts do not influence formal decision making (Breuer et. al., 2012) Social media grassroots campaigning has helped laws get passed. Social media helped The MCCEs Ficha Limpa campaign pass in Brazil (Breuer et. al, 2012) The bill was unpopular with legislators because it prevented the election of people who had been convicted of a crime, which meant 25% of sitting legislators would become ineligible (Breuer et. al., 2012) Once the bill went viral on Twitter and other social medias, it was passed unanimously (Breuer et. al., 2012) Social media usage in Taiwans elections, such as the mayoral election in Taipei, impacted the election results. (Wang, et. al, 2016) Wen-Je Ko, the election winner, was studied and it was found that the internet was a key factor in his victory (Wang, et. al., 2016) Wen-Je Kos published articles and general publicity on the internet were far greater than his opponent (Wang, et. al., 2016) Transition: The Ficha Limpa and Taiwan mayoral campaigns are examples of campaigns that moved people for a cause. Part of the reason these campaigns were so successful is because of the way they transmitted their messages. Main Point 2: Social media platforms transmit influential information. (Jost et. al, 2018) Social media spreads a variety of information in different ways. Some social media circulates images of violence at political events and discourage attendance (Jost et. al., 2018) Other images give the perception of large group involvement in events, which leads to social pressure, which increases attendance. Social media spreads both informational and motivational influences to political action (Jost et. al, 2018) Motivation is influenced by moral outrage, social identification, and group efficacy (Jost et. al, 2018). These three factors are key in influencing individuals to take action, and social media perpetuates these factors. One example is ISIS, which circulates images of themselves winning battles to recruit members (Krzyanowski et. al, 2018) Transition: In order to motivate people, individuals must enjoy what theyre doing. Thats why those with positive social media experiences tend to engage offline. Main Point 3: Whether or not someone participates in offline political efforts directly connects to their experiences with politics on social media. Those who engage with politics on social media and have a positive experience are more likely to engage in offline methods of participation (Kwak et. al, 2018) Those with negative experiences are more likely to avoid politics on social media and are subsequently less likely to engage in offline participation (Kwak, et. al., 2018) CONCLUSION: Social media impacts the political landscape by influencing activism in positive or negative ways, transmitting various types of messages, and even being the determining factor in offline activism. The next time you get an email from your grandparents about the next big thing in their political world, or you see the long facebook post from that annoying neighbor you cant unfollow, remember that social media politics plays a big role in our changing political landscape.

Book Review On The First American - Free Essay Example

In the biography of The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H. W. Brands discusses Benjamin Franklinrs life during the 18th Century and the profound impact he had on America. Brands provides insight and a comprehensive accounting of Franklinrs life and achievements from birth to beyond his final days. He begins with the establishment of the Franklin family and the birth of Benjamin Franklin in Boston, MA 1706. This was not a progressive time in any aspect. Boston was underdeveloped and heavily influenced by the Puritan leader, Cotton Mather. Under British rule, colonists lacked many liberties and an identity. This was a sad and wearisome period for the American colonies. Franklin being one of sixteen siblings, had a poverty-stricken childhood. Although underprivileged, he learned to read and write early on. His father encouraged his education but due to the economy, Franklin began cultivating his work ethics at a very early age. He ran away from Boston and the apprenticeship with his brother to begin profitable ventures in Philadelphia, as a publisher and author. His publication of the Poor Richards Almanac (Brands 124) and sharing his free-thinking ideology, was the starting point in his infamous journey. While in Philadelphia, he joined the Philosophical Society and began his endeavors in science. Franklin entered the political realm in his retirement. He advocated for collaboration, equality, and most of all peace. He became a voice of reason. Disputes over land heightened as the French and Indians attacked the colonists. The proprietors aiding in their future demise; refused to pay any taxes. Franklin elected into the Assembly, returned to England and began his attack on the proprietors using an alias; John Locke and the court of public opinion (Brands 284). He knew that the primary objective needed to be; replacement of proprietary government by royal government (Brands 357). Through the years he diligently continued efforts to achieve collaboration and peace between the crown and colonists. During the Sugar and Stamp Act in 1763 protected Britain by keeping riots at bay while successfully repealing it for the colonists. In support of the cause he procured financing and allies. In 1783 Franklin was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain that finally ended the American Revolutionary War. His most profound role in his life was serving as a delegate at the Constitutional Convention 1787. Franklinrs input was vital in establishing a new government. He assisted in the drafting of the two of the most important documents in American history; The US Constitution and The Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was the first American and most influential of our time. He believed that all people were created equal and capable. His ingenuity and ambition proved to the world that anything was possible. Constantly self-evolving, he was convinced that there was always a better way. He led an impressive life as a publisher, author, educator, scientist, inventor, freemason, and founder of the United States. As a writer he challenged authority and the views of others with free-thinking. As an inventor and scientist, he changed the world forever with his theories and experiments with lightning and electricity. He invented the Franklin stove and bifocals. He helped structure American society by originating the first library, fire department, college and postal service. As he retired in his early eighties, he continued his contribution to science and invented medical and printing devices. Two months prior to his death in 1790, he submitted an anti-slavery petition to congress. In his final petition to congress he wrote Mankind are all formed by the same Almighty being, alike objects of his care, and equally designed for the enjoyment of happiness (Brands 708). Even in old age, he was still Americars voice of reason. In preparation of his final days, Franklin had set up a foundation that consisted of evolving funds (Brands 712) to support future trade apprentices. The Boston Fund foundation was worth of $4.5 million dollars and helped students for more than two centuries. As Brand concludes, he writes; Considering the length and breadth of his multiple legacies, he was probably the first American, of any generation (Brands 712). Like most Americans, H.W Brands highly regards Benjamin Franklin. Brands bias was prominent throughout the entire book. While working toward his doctorate in history, he studied under historian Robert A. Divine. Since that time Brands and Divine have co-authored similar books together. I really wonder how much of Brands views were influenced by his studies with Divine. Therefore, I think Brands could have been more critical in some respects. He seems to breeze over and downplays some of the low points in Franklinrs life. To read of Franklinrs involvement with countless women and affairs was shameful. This type of behavior is contradicting to the 13 cardinal virtues (Brands 98) that he developed. I was not expecting to learn that he was addicted to women and had many affairs. I felt that his courting of Debra and entire marriage was terribly sad. I understand that a marriage of convenience was common then but I expected more from him. I was also disappointed to read about his relationship (or lack thereof) with his son William. I find this difficult to understand, especially after losing his other son. I think it was hypocritical of him to reject William for refusing to forego his loyalties to the crown. He was narrow minded to demand his son to join the cause just because he did. Franklin himself ran from the control of his own father and should h ave been more understanding. It is disheartening to know that at the end of his life he regretted how he treated his wife and son. How he was with his family life, at one point had me questioning who he was. After reading this book, I cannot help but feel that Franklin was a self-serving in his personal life. I was happy to read that once he finally retired in his eighties, he became more of a family man and spent time with his grandchildren. Brands book is more detailed and true-to-life than the textbook. I enjoyed this aspect and found the content to be more relatable and genuine. I was concerned about the size of this book and if it was going to easy to follow. It was so well written and interesting that I was able to stay focused till the end. Brands brings the reader up close and personal with insight into Franklinrs ideology, character, and personality traits. I enjoyed the accounting of Ben Franklinrs fascinating life, all his accomplishments, and his many political endeavors. This book helped me to have a better understanding of Benjamin Franklin and events in the 18th Century that led to the Constitutional Convention and progression of America. I have even more regard for Franklin and this period now. This book is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it. Bands apparent predisposition could make a reader question some of his content, but he is a passionate historian and author. His achievements and drive are commendable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about American history through the time line of Franklinrs life. I agree with the bookrs conclusion; Benjamin Franklin truly was the first American and irrefutably the most influential man in