Movements can make better use out of using social networks if they use them as simply an aid to the cause.  As I mentioned in my previous blog, my school had given many announcements about this "Walk for Water" movement, so we were already aware of it.  A facebook page was then made and everyone who was already interested in the cause joined it.  It was very effective because the majority of the people who joined the group were already semi-passionate about the cause, so the facebook page served as an extra source of information that people would check and follow up with.

Movements have to already have a target audience if they want an online source to be used to it's full potential.  It is more likely that a person will want to join a page if they are already aware of the cause than if they just stumble upon it while surfing the internet.  However, social network activism is very effective because it enables people anywhere and everywhere to have access to information about a movement.

Social Networking and Social Action

To be honest, I don’t really use the “social network” to pursue activism.  I use it for social purposes.  However, that is not to say that I have never “liked” a movement via the internet.  At my school, we had this “Walk for Water” event through my school to help raise money for people in Africa.  We had to get sponsors, and every mile we walked, we raised a certain amount of money.  I found out about this through my school, then afterwards proceeded to “like” it on my facebook to get the newest updates and time changes regarding the fundraiser.  The only reason I joined this group was because I was already involved, and just wanted to be further informed.  Had I just seen this page, I would have no reason to browse any farther and pursue it.  If I am going to be involved in something, it has to be tangible.  I would not have been interested if it was just a page I came across on facebook. 

Blog Entry #2

Please view the images from Blog Entry #1:

            The “old” Aunt Jemima was a classic stereotype of a “mammy” back in the days of slavery.  Her advertisements often included her speaking in broken English, which made her seem uneducated.   The new and improved Image of Aunt Jemima is a drastic difference, and is not as credible as her old image.  Aunt Jemima is still a woman of color, but seems to have lost a few hundred pounds, and is now a very mainstream, non-stereotypical woman.  She lost the bandana, and a lot of other racial connotations.  Now we can only see her face (instead of her whole body like the old advertisements).  Aunt Jemima seems to be a middle class woman instead of a servant.  She has a nice perm/hairdo, and also has pearl earrings. Her outward appearance is a huge step in a positive direction, and is far less offensive.  She appears to be a sophisticated woman, but quite frankly does not look like a chef anymore.  She has the appearance of a school teacher or principal, and doesn’t have as inviting and comforting of a feel as the old Aunt Jemima had.  Though the old Aunt Jemima was an insulting stereotype, she seemed to have more credibility as a chef, and therefore was a stronger, more efficient spokesperson.