#femfinity

Being that the course is entitled Gender, Digital Media, and Social Curation, there were many things I did not know about social curation, like what it was for starters. Luckily, we delved into what aspects make content into a social curation and what were some of the negative and positive aspects about it. To begin with, websites such as Tumblr or Pinterest, create the platform for users to share their knowledge on a particular topic across to other users. This idea is essentially the user becoming the expert. By sending information based on your own knowledge on the matter, you can become a well-versed individual and a source others can use. Henry Jenkins coined the term, “prosumer” which is a producer and consumer in one. He explains that fan bases produce content that original creators can use. But the con of social curation would be is the information being presented verifiable and under the rules of research if it evens counts as a proper text? Another con that we discussed was the curation being conducted online still being subjected and structured by social powers, meaning sexuality, gender, race, sex, class, etc. These hierarchical of power still influences the content we see online today. We also question if the content being posted matches oneself both online and offline. We have to create our own feminist narrative of expression online without the expectations of others or by trying to “other” ourselves. 

Throughout this semester we have explored a multitude of topics from hacking to body positivity. Of all that we have learned, I have come to understand that how we use social media often controls our perception, both positively and negatively. It is up to us to be aware of this and understand how imbedded social constructions of race, gender, class, etc. are in all aspect of our lives. Once we recognize these areas, we can strive for social change. We are at a pivotal point in our lives as young students readying ourselves for the “real world.” Our world, our society here in the United States is all at pivotal points of change and it is up to us to make the difference. We can be the generation of change and if this class taught me anything, it taught me that this is possible.

One of their slogans is “Learning to love your unique body” which I really like because it lends itself to multiple bodies and not just one poster body that everyone is trying to achieve (ex. the fit, small waist, big butt body). @femfinity

https://www.facebook.com/HeyItzTaya/videos/1048527215229916/ This link above tells the story of how most young black young women are told to "fix" their hair in order to not look "untamed" and "well mannered" in society (also known as white). The young lady who recited this poem Elizabeth Acevedo gives others a look inside the life of a black woman with naturally wild hair. She states "My mother tells me to fix my hair and by fix she means to whiten." Young black women are being told at young ages that their hair needs to be fixed and have all these different types of product in the hair to look more white or appeal to the white main stream society. Why should black woman have to change their natural beauty to make those who are not fortune enough to be blessed with our beauty feel better about themselves. This is just another example of how whiteness is trying yet again make a minority feel bad about their culture in order to capitalize off of it or demean it out of existence.

@femfinity

In thinking about body positivity, I agree that one should appreciate the body they’ve been given. Though there are many idealistic superficial notions of beauty, one should never feel obligated to conform to them in order to gain social gratification. I feel as though many people psychologically devalue themselves because they feel as though they lack certain physical qualities. From my experience, good looks are often compensation for those with poor moral character. Beauty then must be more than a pretty face and a good body. To be beautiful is to captivate and mesmerize, both of which are possible even in obscenity. On the flip side, I do not believe body positivity should be an excuse to condone obesity or unhealthy living. In appreciating the body one is given, I believe one should take care of it. Just as one tends to their home, one should tend to the vessel of their very being. 

@femfinity

           For example, we learned about Al chaar and how we were able to feel empathic for him because his selfie was westernized. He was middle class, expressed interest in United States culture, wore clothes by western brands, English speaking, and educated. Selfies turn into a tool that allows us to compartmentalize different “types” and categorized people. In this process, we are continued to advance an agenda that is islamaphobic and racist. This leaves us with one critical question, “is the selfie a tool or a weapon”? Perhaps it is a double edged sword.