Week Beginning 29th October: Practical Peer Review 1

What are your initial reactions to the research question?
- Super good question
- have the women you have chosen been picked for a reason thats personal to you?
- similar to goodnight stories for rebel girls!
- focus on young activists is a good question- and #MeToo can still be brought in as a case study
- could also look at how adding a # to a phrase makes it more significant?
- digital/reality- does sharing on the internet mean the same as sharing in real life?

What are your initial reactions to the work?
- lovely visual quality
- could you depict scenes/places so its more than portraits?
- look at protest signage and location
- do children know what activism is? do you need to give more info?
- maybe look at doing portraits with collections of related quotes/objects?
- add more narrative to hint at the context

The relation between the research question and the practical direction-
- What did these women do? could that be illustrated? could you give more than a face?
- how can the audience relate? think about the fact your audience will be children
- can see the link! images alone need more context however
-specific portraiture makes sense if you know the project aims but by themselves its a little unclear

The proposed outcomes of the project-
- Book for kids is ambitious
- a good challenge may be short animations?
- book is a good idea, but push it for the audience that its aimed for
- maybe begin mocking it up now?
- animation, pop up, interactive- what elements will it have?

What do you think could be improved upon?
- use of colour? B&W has connotations of history and the past- important for it to be clear that its happening now!
- visually confident and clear tone of voice that children can relate to!
- try some of these portraits through print
- add subtle life and emotion through animation

Questions that have arisen from looking at the work-
- focus on technology on how that can spread awareness and get involved in activism through your illustrations online to raise support
- how many women involved? will you include any men?
- what time period? all of history? present day? Timeline?
- how do you get children involved in a difficult topic?

What I can take from this:
Although I've made a good start to my practical work I need to get moving with it and begin to mock up how I intend for the book to look when its finished as at the moment its unclear to anyone who's not me what the intention is. I also need to do more market research into what kind of text will be included in the book and what kind of information is appropriate for children of my target age. I also need to settle on a target age. I am also realising that a full book is an unrealistic goal at this point due to the short amount of time we have left so instead I'll aim to make a clear proposal for my book with double page spreads and layout plans. I think it maybe would also help to have a mocked up front and back cover, book jacket which will encapsulate what I want to talk about in the book, and its title etc. 

Its also been mentioned to me more than a few times that it would be nice to add an animated element to my work which I'll endeavour to do before the end of this project. I'll look at using photoshop to make simple animations. I also need to look at adding colour to my work to make it less serious and more engaging to children. I may also look at doing some type and font work based on quotes from famous feminists which could maybe be a part of the book as well?

Luke Gittos: Why Rape Culture Is A Dangerous Myth

"In order to enact punishment, these informal online tribunals don't need evidence, because the point is not to find out the truth. Hashtag justice is merely a forum through which individual experience is validated and confirmed in the most public way possible." 

- The authors says that the people discussing topics such as high profile cases of assault and rape in the media don't find out the evidence and facts behind the case. Instead they just discuss their views on it which can be dangerous as obviously, some people are coming at it from a biased angle. He believes that sometimes conclusions are made about peoples guilt without first having all the facts. This could be a result of the immediacy of social media and with it being a platform where people are relatively free to say what the believe

"They had not given him the opportunity to investigate or take actions. Instead they had immediately set up a Facebook page"

- The author argues that some social media activists go about their campaigns in the wrong way. In the case of a Cambridge based kebab shop worker being accused of sexual assault by some customers, the local university community took it upon themselves to launch a social media campaign boycotting the kebab shop. Instead of taking the issue directly to the owners of the kebab shop and getting them to try and resolve the issue from within, the author states that they didn't give the restaurant a fair chance to fix the issue. Instead effectively beginning a hate campaign which wouldn't provide any kind of solution

"Individuals can effectively be held hostage by pending allegations and forced to cave into 'demands', while having their reputation permanently tarnished by the fact of the allegations themselves."

- In cases where the accused runs a business that relies on any kind of customer base or even has a job or career, especially those in the spotlight, the accusations alone could put their livelihoods at risk. Whilst this may be forgivable if the accusations are true and based in fact, with the increased use of social media for activism and the circulation of news, the information being recounted may be less based in fact and therefore might not be true.

"This web-based 'ransoming' is disastrous for any genuine victims of sexual violence. It scuppers the possibility for any objective investigation and makes it extremely difficult for any proper adjudication of the case to happen."

- He also makes the point that the accusation of people on social media is a pointless endeavour anyway as it doesn't allow for proper judgement of the case so a reliable conclusion can not be reached in this way. He states that this is destructive for both the accused and the victim, as the accused reputation is at stake, especially if this hashtag campaign is one the ends up in the mainstream media. And for the victim it doesn't bring them any closer to having closure or justice through legal action.

Roxanne Gay- Bad Feminist

Page 261: When Twitter Does What Journalism Cannot

"The filibuster was a gripping spectacle that kept me rapt for hours. On /twitter, people were able to offer support, however symbolic, for Senator Davis's efforts. There was a sense of community"

- the author states that twitter can provide a kind of online community and outlet for people to speak up about ongoing issues and can even offer a support to those already speaking out. Solidarity? However they also address the fact that the support is slightly symbolic

"There are times when social media is anything but trivial. During hurricane Sandy, social media allowed public officials along the Eastern corridor to disseminate information about available resources and evacuation routes, and provide updates on the storm."

Also

"Social media allowed community members to offer information and assistance and human connection through small, grassroots networks"

- Author implies that although there are a few bad resources surfacing online and on social media, it can provide a valuable tool in the face of disasters for both citizens and officials. Like this idea of it allowing for human connection in trying times. Rather than having to try and communicate on a larger scale with government officials. Making a kind of global community?

"Good journalism takes time that social media, which advances at a breathtaking pace, rarely affords. Good journalists need to verify information before they can report it. They need this time because, in the best of all worlds, we're supposed to trust that they are offering us accurate, unbiased information."

- again acknowledging that social media is a bit of a free platform in some senses, in this case meaning that information can be put onto the platform without much basis. But thats the important part of knowing the differences between old and new media. Old media can be more well written, typically less biased and based in reality. Whereas new media must be taken with a pinch of salt depending on who is relaying the information etc

"Social networking broadened the conversation"

And 

"Social networks also provide us with something of a flawed but necessary conscience, a constant reminder that commitment, compassion and advocacy neither can nor ever should be finite."

- Again touching on that idea of social media bringing a more human, sometimes compassionate side to the media. Although old media is reliable as it is typically less biased, new media can be biased but it is written by civilians, for other civilians to read. It can be maybe less clinical and removed than newspapers. The fact that it can be written and sent quickly as well most likely means that some of the statements made on the platform can be a bit more impassioned

"Traditional journalism can give us the grounding and context we dearly need, while social networks remind us that we do have today, that we can be mindful of the past and the future while taking some time to appreciate the present."

- What I get from this quote is that the authors suggesting that we continue to get our hard facts and evidence from traditional forms of journalism such as newspapers which are more reliable sources. Then when we have these facts we can use social networks to discuss them with others on the network and express our personal opinions. Social networks like twitter are a more immediate form of expression which has its own merits but maybe can't be a replacement for the traditional media outlets.

Notes From Peer Tutorial 23rd Oct

• Look at more than 3 texts in your essay
• interim submission is on 11/11
• look at J stor for some shorter texts
• Belle hooks- feminist activist
• look at the occupy wallstreet movement in more depth
• consider ethics policy whilst interviewing people- about past assault and sensitive information
• American politics- Lisa Congdon
• Carson Ellis- instagram 
• Irish wedding quilts- other typically feminine crafts that re passing down through generations
• maybe start making my own zines of imagery I already have
• quotes from women- embroidery
• stitch up- social enterprise, meanwood road 51 bus, hands on craft in the art community
• look at why communities form
• the culture of girlhood, women in punk, research further
• look at how people get access to feminism then and now, how did people meet? Class? black panther movement, white middle class women only?

Moving forward:

I now have to start actually formulating my essay and maybe begin putting it down into bullet points just to get me started and get an idea of the structure. I also need to find a few more sources that will exemplify the points that I'm trying to make which is that social media can be a useful tool for activism in a modern era if its used responsibly. I'm going to do some research in the library and on Jstor this week to try and find myself some more easily readable, shorter sources that will help me examine the pros and cons of social media activism. I also need to start thinking more critically with my practical work. My original plan was to make a children's book about activism but I'm now beginning to see theres no way I could do that in the time we've been given so I think instead I'll modify my plan so that I'm just making a few double page spreads for a proposal for a children's book. I also need to remember to get in touch with local organisations like Girl Gang and ask them questions about how useful they find the use of social media in their work as that will help me triangulate and give me a first hand source.

Week Beginning 8th October: Project proposal- Presentation feedback

Research question:
How has the #MeToo movement changed/affected the way in which media portrays rape culture?

Practical direction:
Poster/ storybook about the importance of activism and the history of activism intended for children

Aspects that need defining:
My question, needs to be more specific and the question and practical work maybe need to have more of a link?
Narrow down areas of interest, focus down topics. I think I'm interested in too many things around this topic and I need to be more selective
Find more visual examples that demonstrate the rape culture that I want to talk about

Aspects that need expanding:
My sources, research history of feminism (1st wave, different key players etc)
Speak to activists and organisations first hand, Girlgang, revoultassault 
Look at controversies within the world of feminism? Intersectionality, trans rights etc

Anything else:
The main things I want to aim to discuss in this essay are the importance of feminism and activism around any topics you're passionate about and the impact that activism has had historically. I could use this to look at feminist protest movements in the past such as the Suffragettes and the impact that had on the world, maybe comparing this to later protests such as the #MeToo movement and occupy Wallstreet. I mainly think it would interesting to touch on what I was discussing last year and examine whether the advent of the internet and the rise in social media have been a help or a hinderance for politics and activism within politics. Maybe I'll compare the methods of protest and activism and try and examine which methods are the most effective? To link this to my practical work, at the moment I'm imagining a series of images as a kind of proposal for a childrens activity book based around activists of the past and giving information and imagery about what they can do to make a change in their lives and local communities. I want to illustrate some influential women and use this to try and tell their stories to younger generations who hopefully can see these women as role models.

Last year I left my practical work til the last minute and looking back at this now I think this really shows as it looks rushed, low quality and doesn't really link at all to my essay and research. It also didn't have much of a use or purpose. This year I've started by making images that I'm already interested in making in my own spare time (portraits of famous feminists). Hopefully this will help me in the long run as I'm now trying to see the essay as a vehicle to fuel the imagery. My main aim of COP this year is to come out of it with a body of work that I'm still interested in taking further and that can serve as a proposal for a larger project in the future. Whether that means in 603 or further down the line its a project that I'm really personally invested in and hopefully that will keep me more motivated than I was last year.

COP - To Do

- I think my essay is quickly turning more into social media and its relationship to activism and I like that

- Next I think I need to look to see if I can find any more academic sources on the subject of social media and its effect on activism

- When doing this I'll think particularly in relation to recent topical movement such as #MeToo and Dr Fords recent testimony

- Also start doing practical work- portraits of women who've spoken up/out?

The #MeToo Movement

From The Telegraph : The #MeToo shockwave: How the movement has reverberated around the world- by Louise Burke

"As a viral campaign, part of the success of #MeToo was to do with how deeply personal it felt. Within days our social media feeds were flooded with friends and family members adding their stories. “Of course, me too,” a friend added simply on Facebook, neatly summarising the depressing inevitability that she too had experienced sexual harassment. The women mostly exchanged familiar stories and knowing looks. Surprise was the domain of men: “I knew it happened, but I had no idea it was this bad” was a common sentiment."

- personal heartfelt campaigns can be achieved through social media? It gives people a platform to get their message and truth across without having to go through legal proceedings which can be traumatic. The only problem is that by the same logic, there could be elements of mistruth in these statements.

"In Japan, journalist Shiori Ito did “the unthinkable” when she appeared before television cameras in May 2017 to publicly accuse a prominent correspondent of rape. At the time she only used her first name, but in late October, amid the explosion of #MeToo confessions, she revealed her full identity and published a book about her experience. In an article for Politico she wrote that it is taboo to even use the word “rape” in Japan and it is often changed to “violated” or “tricked”. “My coming forward made national news and shocked the public,” she wrote. “The backlash hit me hard. I was vilified on social media and received hate messages and emails and calls from unknown numbers. I was called a “slut” and “prostitute” and told I should ‘be dead’.” But Ito believed she had no other choice. She said #MeToo has provided an opening in the Japanese media to discuss sexual harassment and assault."

- social media spans the globe and transcends most other outlets like local TV and radio, meaning that protests tackling a subject in the USA also have the potential to be seen in China. This gives the opportunity of discussion and an outlet of support and solidarity that wouldn't usually be offered locally.

- Also evidenced in the article is instances where "triage services" have been put in place to support the influx of people giving online testimonies about their alleged sexual abuse. Pointing them towards counselling and other services

“Globalisation, connectivity and the women's rights movement have created the perfect storm,” Spicer told the Telegraph. “Women are able to share their experiences, from Sydney to Suffolk. “Suddenly, we realise we're not alone. And our experiences are being believed. For the first time, men are understanding what women have suffered for centuries.”

- Referencing the idea of globalisation and networks

“Our personal devices are such an intimate part of our lives, these women feel comfortable using social mediums - at any time of the day or night - to share details about these experiences. And it's easy to connect with other alleged victims. For example, in the Don Burke case, the first whistleblower was able to easily connect me with two women in the US.”

- Interesting idea that the appeal of activism through social media comes not only from being able to connect with a wider range of people who've experienced the same or similar things, but also in the way that we use and connect with our mobile devices. They can seem maybe less invasive that a trip to a therapist or the daunting idea of reporting to the authorities?

"A similar style of crowd-sourced document was used by University of California graduate student Raya Sarkar to gather accusations against more than 50 academics in India and the US. In both instances, feminists have been split over the methods used. Some argue that such extreme methods risk damaging the credibility of women’s legitimate demands to be heard. Others argue that they are excusable when the existing systems have acted to protect predators, rather than victims."

- Clearly theres some debate as to the viability of the online testimonies. Its difficult as of course theres no telling whether they're truthful or not without launching full investigations or having some sort of tangible evidence. However the case is also made in the article that the pattern of these online protests seems to be that allegations against certain figures in the public eye are made online until these mount and turn into a type of coordinated campaign such as the one regarding Harvey Weinstein which sparked the #MeToo movement. When these campaigns begin and the testimonies are too much to ignore, hopefully an investigation is launched by officials. 

- Aziz Ansari's case is also briefly discussed which brings up an interesting point as to whether its fair to bring up every point of contention online. Considering this case has since been recognised more widely as a confusion around the topic of consent, but can also be lumped in with the discussion of the sustained claims of sexual abuse in Hollywood. 

"There is a recurring image in The Power which helps us understand all this. Alderman uses the spreading, forking, tree-like shape of lightning - and which lightning strikes lave on skin or wood - as a metaphor to describe social change. It starts at the bottom, with millions of individual people suddenly realising that the rules have shifted, that they can do something. Their behaviour filters up and up until the whole of society turns upside down."

- Read "The Power"

Link to article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/world/metoo-shockwave/

Social Media Activism

From Tweets and the Streets- social media and contemporary activism:

"Because of the availability of contemporary social media, activists like Penny argue, social movements can finally become leaderless, horizontal, and spontaneous. They no longer have to face the question of unity so obsessively important for dinosaurs like the Socialist Workers Party, which seems to be stuck in the era of Gutenberg. Much of the scholarship produced in the last few years about the impact of new media on contemporary society, and on activism in particular, has followed a similar line of reasoning. It asserts that the internet allows for more flexible relationships, enabling individuals to interact without the need for central coordination or a sense of unity in the display of collective action. "

Does social media and its quick and easy accessibility give us the opportunity to form larger and stronger groups than we ever would have been able to in the past? Activist groups no longer have to meet in person to form an alliance.

Research the terms Horazontalism and networks

"Social media in particular are characterised by a high degree of interactivity, and by a focus on user-generated content. Practically speaking, this means that users are also to a great extent ‘producers’ in communicative interactions."

"Castells has described this media landscape as dominated by a paradigm of ‘self mass-communication’ in which individuals and groups can broadcast their messages to large audiences (Castells, 2009: 416). For Castells, the advent of mass self-communication carries the promise of autonomy from bureaucratic structures and increasing scope for political and social engagement from below."

- using social media in which were essentially the authors and producers, can we reach a larger audience than those activists that have come before us? Does it also mean were moving away from the rigid social and political structures meaning that anyone who wishes to discuss politics and their personal views has a platform on which to do it?

No network has a centre? - online networks mean theres less of a "chain of command" type attitude with all instructions coming from one "leader", maybe means people can take action how they see fit?

"Networks are ‘an emerging ideal’, the pre-figuration of a society which is ‘self-produced, self-developed, and self-managed’, a model for re-organising society in the direction of an ‘informational utopics’ (Juris, 2008: 15)"