social media and freedom of expression
In todays module one discussion group, many interesting topics were brought up which shows that learning through conversation and debate is so important in development as a person. Some of the topics that were touched on were the impacts and uses of web 2.0, how social media can have its positives (like networking, inspiration, and connectivity) but also negatives (exposure when 'too young' and its implications and possibly doing the opposite it was designed for). Along with diversity within shows and when is it (in your opinion) acceptable to be historically accurate in a show and when is it not?
This brings me to question whether I feel more connected when on social media than I do in the 'real world'. I use social media, like many others, as a way promote myself and network with both modeling and dance contacts. I do find web 2.0 helpful in this respect to sign up to classes, auditions and form working relationships with many performers and photographers alike. Many other freelancing artists, influencers and models use this platform to do the same thing. Throughout lockdown I found myself scrolling unintentionally through various social medias as I was taking many classes on those platforms; and inevitably became distracted in-between due to the cleaver algorithms, data collection, following my digital footprint. Now on reflection, like most of the population, I found I was comparing myself and my practice subconsciously to other users which made me question many things, for the better or the worse.
I do believe that the initial creation and purpose of web 2.0 and social media was to connect people and sometimes give them a sense of belonging to a community. However, I feel that as more people participate in social media, the reverse is happening along with increasing mental health issues and a pressure to be perfect. So many people pin their worth on how many likes and followers they have, and the reactions (both negative and positive) to their posts, which could impact their right to freedom of expression and creativity, not to mention their mental health.
For example, I saw on Facebook this post about Diversity's recent Britain's Got Talent performance, which touched on the Black Lives Matter movement. The article from 'The Independent' most likely came up due to my digital footprint which commonly is dance and fitness related (which is a scary thought). The title was "Britain Got Talent: Ofcom rejects 24,000 complaints about Diversity dance performance" and was written by Adam White (@__adamwhite) on Thursday 17th September 2020. Many of the complaints were along the lines of "it was racist against white people, that it portrayed police in a negative fashion, it was unsuitable for a family audience and that it "expressed support for a political organisation" in Black Lives Matter"- (Adam white 2020). Freedom of expression and speech is so important along with understanding, challenging (in a respectful way), and sharing points of view are vital for learning. That is one reason why dance and performance is so crucial to me- a way of expressing oneself, views, or stories through narratives and metaphors to find connection and a feeling of freedom and meaning in a regimented but unpredictable world. One great performance I would recommend that is in response to the current situation is "Draw From Within", choreographed by Wim Vandekeybus and performed by Rambert on a digital platform highlights this.
Leading on from this- does web 2.0 hinder creativity and the freedom of expression which our art form thrives on? Especially when in one click of a button you can choose to write a damaging comment or discussion evoking one. Language is so important. In face to face contact we, unknowingly, analyse facial expression, voice tone and pitch along with the actual words spoken. This aspect is commonly lost whilst on social media, along with the real background/ history and opinions of a person. It is hard to remind yourself that social media isn't real and it shows only what people want you to see, which can dampen self worth, and therefore belonging and creativity.
On the other hand, there is such a wealth of different opinions, articles and experiences on web 2.0 that it can be freeing for many people. I, for example, wouldn't have been exposed to the low impact, vegan, vegetarian or plastic free movement and the many environmental issues in this world (which I am still learning about and evaluating) without social media. I also would find it hard to learn about the industry, both in the past and present, so easily and quickly which provides me with time for reflection. Web 2.0, if you do enough research to find the many sides to a story, can spark and help you go on a continuous journey of self discovery and expression, which in my opinion really is freedom.
The Independent Article:
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/britains-got-talent-diversity-black-lives-matter-complaints-offcom-investigation-b466850.html
I really love what you've written. it's very insightful, I think that social media can be a tool for huge creativity an example is the new musical that I have recently been a part of 'Catfish the Musical' (Willy Mukendi, 2020) in which the entire show has been written, cast and majority rehearsed via social media. It has allowed the marketing for the show to thrive as a show about social media has utilised it so well. However I also understand how it can damped our creativeness if used in the wrong way with things coming so easily to us with a just click of a button.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you there that especially in this current situation it has been vital to connect people and bounce ideas off each other when we can't in person. It just shows that creativity will always be with us through all the hurdles and struggles life will give us and see us through.
DeleteI will check out that musical too :)
DeleteGreat blog, I agree Social media can be such a useful tool, when thinking about marketing yourself and networking, particularly within this day and age, however it can also be so detrimental to a performers state of mental health and overall well being. I often question what was the industry like before we had social media, before we could attend or submit our show reels online. Did it mean more to performers to be cast in something? Was it less challenging, because it was less saturated? Has the influence of social media actually helped performers to receive the recognition they may have not had, had they not been on social media? Or has it caused a growing concern for young people particularly performers who may aspire to look like t their favourite influencer or dance how they are showcased in the 'edited' video they upload to Instagram?
ReplyDeleteYes Laura! I have to see this!
All so interesting to hear from different perspectives
Hi Gabrielle, you've raised some really interesting questions. I often think about what the industry was like before social media. I feel it has helped performers reach a wider audience than ever before (with the cheap tickets for streamed shows making it more accessible) which could help us in the recovery from the implications of COVID. However, I do think that it can dampen creativity with the new 'trick and competition culture' that has emerged. It can also impact mental health in a negative way- causing de-motivation. On the flip side it can also be a source of inspiration and motivation that can help the younger generations to achieve.
DeleteHi Katie! Great post! You have expressed your thoughts on this matter in a very clearly and I can relate to you in many ways. I also agree that the use of Web 2:0 is a great way for performers to learn, create platforms and prompt future employment. I have never been a big user of Facebook and Instagram, however the use of my showreel managed to book me my last 2 jobs.
ReplyDeleteWhen I watched Diversity's BGT performance, I thought it was amazing. So many people had been waiting for an educational presentation from an influential group about this topic and I was upset to see that they got bad press from it. As dancers we have always felt able to express our thoughts and feelings into movement without the feeling of judgment, it's sad that this was turned into a negative thing x
Show reels have become so important in present yourself to a casting director in the best possible light, only showing the best of what you can do. However, they can also not show a whole picture; so that does make me question are they the better alternative to in person auditions? I was so disheartened to hear about all the bad press it had got especially because it had a great balance between both creative dance and some tricks- which made this piece perfect for appealing to a wide audience. I feel like even with the negative press its still important that us as artists don't let that affect our voice as freedom of expression and speech is so important especially in the present.
DeleteLove what you have written, it is so true about when you are face to face you have added layers and dimensions with tone and facial expression etc - we forget that there are real people behind the social media masks. I agree with you and Alice above, a huge part of dance is expression and having an outlet for your personal, real emotions, so for this to be degraded or shamed is sad indeed. Sometimes people decide it's offensive because they don't like the sentiment, and not because the performers are actually offending anyone. If it is a piece of you it is to be understood and heard, hopefully with the intention of progress, not silenced because someone else doesn't like that part of you x
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully put Roanne. I feel that is partly the point in our practice to express ourselves- our feelings, thoughts, responses- along with expressing other peoples. Especially because this dance really spoke to me, especially the movement to the poem at the beginning as it was a perfect way to tell the narrative. We do forget that there are real people behind the social media pages- most of the time they're not as happy or as busy or as productive as their digital version of themselves implies.
DeleteHi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this, you covered a lot of topics very concisely yet eloquently. I completely agree with what others have said in terms of the subtleties of inter-human interaction being lost on social media, hence we really have to think carefully about the language we use. I also found it very refreshing that you felt social media helped you become more aware of certain issues, and that you pointed out that social media can, if managed properly, be a force for good. x
We do have to think carefully about the language and content we put out there, but I also think that we should reflect on people's intention behind the language. Due to the face-to-face interaction being lost many parts of the communication are so it is all down to your own interpretation which can be enlightening and an interesting concept to think about.
DeleteThank you for your blog Katie, it has really helped inspire mine as I have been holding off writing it whilst I digest everything that we said during the discussion.
ReplyDeleteI find it really interesting that you brought up the Diversity BLM movement piece as I personally found it quite creative in the way which it was done and I thought it was amazing it had been brought into a dance piece, especially on such a popular program which can then trigger discussions across households and social media. Whereas my boyfriend found it completely inappropriate and was very against it! Usually we have very similar views too so I found that quite interesting how different we were on our opinions.
I will 100% be viewing the other piece you recommended, thank you for sharing your thoughts! x
Hi Chloe! It is interesting to think about different perspectives and each persons life experiences can alter their opinions about many things. In my opinion art that reflects the more controversial aspects of society- that are struggling or just finding their voice- are the most interesting and impactful pieces. I was so happy to find out that it was on such a big platform too because I have always felt that more controversial issues should be expressed on bigger platforms to expose the public to many different ideas and view points so they can form their own informed opinions about topics.
DeleteHi Katie, I really enjoyed reading this post and all the comments. There's a lot to digest but I really liked that you brought up freedom of expression and the comments, how it will be perceived, how it may or may not affect the artist. It's such an interesting area. I think what's probably quite tough for artists is that if you perform live in a venue, there's a relatively limited number of people watching but when you post a performance online, it's out there for the entire world to see and comment on. That's a lot more opinions and views to contend with. And you can't please everyone all the time which is fine! But I think the art of debate is sometimes lost online. It's either you agree with me or nothing. There isn't always room made for a healthy conversation which good art usually inspires. I'm also going to check out this Diversity performance as I hadn't heard about it!
ReplyDeletehi Shelley! I agree with you that the art of debate is lost online. I've done some research into one avenue why this could be in my most resent blog. I think that with practice people can open up their minds to different opinions and experiences. It is hard for artists if they et lots of comments about a piece they're in. But, after saying this, I think that the mot interesting art/ performances are controversial .
DeleteGreat post Katie. I really liked your paragraph where you talk about the way that tone and face to face conversation is a big part that doenst come through on web 2.0.
ReplyDeleteI can hold my hands up and say that i have most definatley read someones comment on fb (even if it wasnt my post) and got frustrated or irritated by it. Provoking a reaction that most probabaly wasnt justified if a face to face discussion was had. Great post.
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