Notification: Account Blocked

by Maysaa Jankara

Social media is a platform to interact, connect, and share. In some occasions, it could make a positive impact in the world. But why is racism still circulating in social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram?

photo: Ravi Sharma (Unsplash)

The Black Lives Matter movement continues to bring attention to racism – still social media users are expressing bigotry in their posts, and since Black people already face racial oppression, racism in social media is also harmful and dehumanising. It’s worth to keep in mind the Black Lives Matter movement has been actively fighting to eliminate racism, since it was founded. The killing of George Floyd has sparked a fever within the Black community globally, and enough was enough when it comes to police brutality, systematic racism, and institutional racism. 

Why should racism, hate, and violence still have a space in social media platforms?

What type of racism is presented in social media?

According to the July 2020 data provided by Statista, it is estimated that 30.9% of people that use Twitter are aged between 25-35, in second place with the highest user rate is 18 to 24 year olds with 27%. As platforms, such as Twitter, and Instagram, have huge followers of young adults, it’s important to understand why these platforms play a significant role in our lives, as it is another hub on sharing and holding conversations.

Britney Porter is the Founder of HB+ Porter, an activist and global brand consultant & business advisor. 

Her Company, HB+ Porter “researches, identifies and documents the behaviours, wants, needs, and demands of complex culture populations.” They use this research to “create bold business solutions that drive social transformation.”

Porter highlights from observation, the racism that circulates in social platforms. “In social media, there seems to be a lot of content being passed around that lacks substance and relevancy to the Black experience at a local or global level. Instead, constant messaging in the forms of quotes and advice encourages  Black/POC (People of Colour) communities to match the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of White/European behaviours, norms, experiences, and practices.”

She adds, “To me, this is very racist and lacks the foundational value of equality. The whole culture of changing and rescuing people is deeply rooted in supremacy, conformity, and assimilation. To empower means to unconditionally see merit in any group and to work towards building a community and obtaining the appropriate resources to help meet the needs of that group. But those demands and needs should only be determined by that group. Putting one group down to uplift another or essentially encouraging one group to conform to a belief system or lifestyle deemed as ‘superior’ isn't empowerment or productive or aligned with a society free of prejudice and bias. This is a common practice that is deeply rooted in colonisation.”

Kirstie Kwarteng, a PhD student at SOAS University of London, said, “I have seen it directly towards other people, the use of racial slurs, or in the case of Black women, people making fun of Black women, particularly dark skinned Black women, for being dark, that they are unattractive, they look like monkeys and things of that nature.” 

What responsibilities are these platforms taking?

According to Twitter’s Hateful Conduct Policy, it states, “You may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or serious disease. We also do not allow accounts whose primary purpose is inciting harm towards others on the basis of these categories.”

The platform adds, “Freedom of expression means little if voices are silenced because people are afraid to speak up. We do not tolerate behaviour that harasses, intimidates or uses fear to silence another person’s voice.”

Far-right social media users, such as Tommy Robinson, Katie Hopkins and former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke have been banned on Twitter. 

The death of George Floyd, a Black man in the United States, who died after a White police officer knelt on his neck during his arrest, has up-roared a global protest.

In reference to the social media trend Blackout Tuesday, Hopkins wrote on Twitter, "Today is #whiteoutwednesday. I will shortly be posting a picture of my arse. Thank you."

It was announced that Hopkins' account was suspended from Twitter, on the 19th of June 2020, for violating Twitter’s Hateful Conduct Policy. A statement from Twitter said, “Keeping Twitter safe is a top priority for us – abuse and hateful conduct have no place on our service and we will continue to take action when our rules are broken.”

Porter tells of the possible measures that could be taken to stop racism and hate speech. She emphasises on the acknowledgement of improving Black/POC leadership in tech organizations.

“Allowing these people and firms to define what phrases, slurs, and words are inappropriate on their platforms; Holding people accountable who aren't  aligned with our greatest good and those who aren't  committed to doing what it takes to eliminate racism, to take up space and speak for those of us who want to create radical social and political change; New data and education regarding crediting Black culture and its overall contributions to our entire economic and social systems.”

Kwarteng said, “In the U.S. people have said ‘free speech, let me say what I want’, but I feel like there has to be limits on things.’ It does seem like – at least on paper - Twitter and Instagram do have measures in place where you can report racist feeds, and racist accounts, but sometimes the platforms themselves won’t take stuff down, because of free speech. And if you don’t like what is said, you can block them.” 

She added that the platforms themselves have to take this very seriously, as the measures are already in place, and Kwarteng thinks it’s the actual implementation of them that is important.

Illustration by Visuals

How can we utilise social media to diversify ourselves, and use it positively?

Social media platforms can also be used for users to diversify who they follow, read, and watch. The more contact users have with People of Colour and Black communities that are making a positive change, the more it can lead to a less racist and more informative social platforms. 

“Social media is a great platform to network, build a strong community, and also a great tool for experimental marketing and to gain fresh insight.  Through unique interactions and conversations, people can diversify themselves by having access to new data, opinions, and support,” said Porter.

“There are lots of issues in social media, but also a lot of good. You can find lots of Black people that are doing, so many types of things,” said Kwarteng, adding, “A person that I follow on Instagram called Professional Black Girl and it's run by Dr. Yaba Blay and her platform, focuses specifically on Black women. Sometimes she will post things from other people of colour. I am a Black-woman so I follow her because she highlights great things. I learnt a lot about the other People of Colour [through her posts].”

It's evident to say that Twitter is taking the appropriate measures to stop the spread of racism, and hate speech. However, this is just a starting point. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, need to do more to identify other individuals who are less obvious in spreading hate and racism, which could lead to a change in attitudes.