In the current era of social and economic globalization, the high development of the Internet and information technology has played an active role in promoting cultural communication. And different types of cultural forms have clashed and merged in the process of development. In the context of multicultural communication, some subcultural forms, which are different from the mainstream culture, are presented in the current online social media in their unique ways. People are both the creators and the enjoyers of culture, and the independent pursuit of different cultural values has objectively enlivened the popularization of subcultures and other non-mainstream cultures. With the support of many advantages such as the sharing and openness of the Internet, social media have gradually completed the development and construction of modernization and informatization while providing people with a virtual network social platform. They have completely changed the way of communication and expression. With the influence of its massive audience, the effectiveness of online social media communication cannot be ignored. Unlike traditional paper-based media such as newspapers and books, people can express their opinions freely in the highly autonomous online media. The content and form of cultural communication are constantly fulfilling the diverse communication expectations of people from different classes, and more and more niche emerging cultures, so-called subcultures, are spreading on social media. With the rapid development of the Internet, the renewal of online social tools, and the openness and inclusiveness of online platforms, the platform and soil for the growth and development of self-media have been given, and the flow of information has become fast and transparent. With Blogs, Facebook and live streaming as the carrier of communication channels, they have gathered information from all directions and have become the most active subject of network communication and the emerging public opinion field. In such a free and open process of rapid development, self-media has satisfied the audience’s curiosity and entertainment mentality, while the mainstream media has become gradually marginalized. In such a situation, the mainstream media still has its irreplaceability authority and credibility and still has to ensure the function of mainstream media in the process of integration with the network.
When we look at our guest, Markiel Simpson, his PLN and political involvement, it is not surprising to see how a variety of forums he gets to be involved and connected with to build his PLN. He knows the need of people of color based on his own experience and has not hesitated to take the chance to stand out and speak for them. He leverages his PLN on social media platforms to spread his idea and gather people who have the same goal. With this strategy, Markiel has been able to expand his PLN, also help others who are out there searching for support and opportunities. Another thing is he decided to not make it as a personal account in the beginning. He uses Hashtags on his social platform: strong together and, together we rise. Both are easy to understand and it’s written to evoke, to make people, the audience have some kind of emotional experiences.
Reference
Miller. (2021, June 1). Jesse Miller: EDCI – 338 MARKIEL SIMPSON [Video]. Youtube. EDCI – 338 MARKIEL SIMPSON – YouTube
Jansen, S. C., Pooley, J., & Taub-Pervizpour, L., 1967. (2011). Media and social justice (1st ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.
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Hi Lawrence,
I enjoyed reading your take on this weeks blog questions. I like how you mentioned the concept of how many diverse PLN’s lead to niche communities. These communities would not have the opportunity to collaborate and form connections if it weren’t for creating unique and diverse learning networks. I think this is important to mention because much of the internet consists of groups of like minded individuals coming together through viewing content, interacting with one another, and sharing information. This is a major aspect of networking that is only possible through diversity!