Unmasking the Theatrics: A Call for Substance in Digital Politics
Mohammed Hassan critiques the contemporary political landscape dominated by aesthetic-centric digital activism, emphasising the need for substantive engagement over performative gestures.
Giulia Forsythe, Wikimedia Commons
In 2017 we were gifted with an early April Fools joke. Twitter users across the globe were up to their usual antics: sharing cat memes, sending that risky DM, and still debating over whether beards were the same as makeup. Then it happened. Cheeto-haired man himself had taken the grand stage and delivered to the people the message they needed “despite the constant negative press covfefe.” Breaking news: The president spelt a word wrong. This is politics in the digital age.
Dive into the contemporary political landscape, and you're immediately engulfed in a dazzling spectacle. It's a grand performance where style triumphs over substance. Instagram infographics and the fervour of hashtag activism have transformed political discourse into a mesmerising display, concealing a more disconcerting reality beneath the glittering surface. Critical issues are losing their weight, reduced to fleeting trends that impede genuine progress. This isn't just transient; it signifies a profound shift, shaking the foundations of our socio-political discussions. Aesthetic-centric politics isn't a sideshow; it's at the forefront, steering us away from the crucial, nuanced conversations we desperately need. However, this isn't an accusatory finger-pointing session. It's not an academic exercise either. It's a call for change.
History is filled with plenty of examples where aesthetics overwhelmed action. Focusing on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests of 2020, we find an example of a movement that engulfed our feeds during its prominence and yet, only 3 years later, it’s become a moment in history with limited impact on social policy or race relations. The sheer magnitude of online movements, particularly the surge in hashtag activism, prompts a vital question: did these colossal online movements and visually striking campaigns lead to tangible real-world progress, or were we left with nothing but the hollow echoes of digital fervour? More than awareness, grassroots action is needed to shift the political landscape. In the era of Instagram activism, where infographics distil complex issues into easily digestible visuals, has our pursuit of simplicity come at the expense of substantive engagement? The BLM protests, initially powerful in their symbolism, also lay bare the shallowness that arises when style takes precedence over substance.
“The allure of aesthetic activism, rather than serving as a catalyst for meaningful change, obscures the pressing need to confront systemic issues directly”
A closer examination reveals that online movements, while raising awareness, often dilute the focus on pressing issues. Descent into virtual infighting and focus on the optics of a situation lead to a performativity that derails the goals of these movements. The virtual realm has become a stage for performative activism, where posting black squares and retweeting corporate statements takes precedence over the nuanced discussions needed to address the roots of systemic racism. The distraction was palpable, diverting attention from the urgent need to develop communities that actively push for anti-racism measures, tackle economic disparities, and address the political inequities deeply embedded in our societies. Whenever we see a post about representation in the media we can’t allow ourselves to forget about Elijah McClain.
In the realm of political aesthetics, the danger lies in the deceptive veneer of well-intentioned gestures. Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion programs, while appearing progressive, work as a convenient façade—a smokescreen veiling the stark reality that corporate boardrooms remained overwhelmingly white, male, and straight. The allure of aesthetic activism, rather than serving as a catalyst for meaningful change, obscures the pressing need to confront systemic issues directly, while allowing the privileged to maintain a rationalised ignorance. They posted the black square, of course they’re an ally!
However, the implications extend beyond corporate posturing; a more profound scrutiny is imperative. The glaring paradox of hashtag activism cannot be dismissed as an innocuous aspect of social interaction. Our digital landscapes are defined by a cycle where we fervently post about a cause, only to let the momentum wane as a new tragedy grabs the spotlight. As we traverse further into the digital labyrinth, our online spaces burgeon in influence. No longer are the legacy media organisations the sole arbiters of information. Behind the scenes of the Cambridge Analytica propaganda campaign on Facebook, orchestrated by the mind of Steve Bannon, it was the alliance of creative minds—graphic designers, video editors, and social media managers—that crafted the narrative doublethink.
In this arena, cringe-worthy as it may be, social media politics demands a measure of respect. The collaborative efforts of creatives and political strategists swayed the election in one of world’s the largest democracies in 2016 . Graphic designers found common ground with Trump in a peculiar alliance that reshaped political landscapes. The crux lies in acknowledging that while the antics of social media politics might induce discomfort, they wield formidable influence, urging us to have a real conversation about their role in shaping the very foundations of democratic processes.
In a world where "covfefe" can momentarily overshadow political manoeuvres, such as Trump's appointment of conservative judges, the allure of virality dominates our digital landscape. This shift from traditional media to platforms like Instagram and YouTube is not an indication of diminishing importance but a recalibration of the mediums through which information and political discourse flow. The intertwining of social spaces and digital realms in our increasingly absurd democratic processes amplifies the scope and impact of online politics.
“The challenge ahead is transforming social media from a platform of attention into a catalyst for social justice.”
Far from being a future risk, this is our present reality. The current landscape is epitomised by Twitter and Reddit, now being the top two "news" sources on app stores. Gone are the BlackBerry phones and faxed memos, iPhones and TikToks now distribute our political content. George Santons lies and lies and lies without impunity - what’s his punishment? A humanising interview with Ziwe where he plans his biopic. Yet, beyond their target audience of gossiping zoomers it begs the question – how does one prepare for a political discussion in a world where the boundaries between private and public, local, and global, blur?
While I harbour doubts about Reddit sparking a revolution or Twitter toppling establishments, I am optimistic when considering the potential of social media to redefine political dynamics. The internet, with its global reach, has served as a powerful tool in amplifying the voices of those in crisis, from Ukraine and Russia to Israel and Palestine. However, the challenge lies in discerning between meaningful activism and superficial engagement, as exemplified by corporations like Shell leveraging green energy infographics while continuing environmentally detrimental practices.
As we continue to "like" and share infographics, it is crucial to recognise the power embedded in collective protest. Attention has become a currency and wielding it judiciously can lead to impactful change. Yet, a sobering reality check is imperative. Amidst rising screen times and sea levels, a sincere reflection on the relationship between online political expression and tangible action becomes paramount. The challenge ahead is transforming social media from a platform of attention into a catalyst for social justice. The journey towards this transformation requires not only raising awareness but inspiring real-world change. It is a call for mindful activism, where posting about politics is seamlessly woven into the fabric of doing politics. As we navigate these evolving landscapes, the potential for social media to shape political narratives remains profound, offering both a canvas for expression and a tool for driving substantive change.