Investigate the power of hashtags in storytelling and their potential regulation to protect human diversity and cultural pluralism.
As social creatures, humans are highly involved in storytelling. With the continued advancement of communication systems, the mechanisms for telling the narrative of human events also have evolved. Social media and the memetic properties of hashtags’ going viral are the apex of modern, digitally mediated, storytelling tools. This critical essay discussed two hashtags, i.e., narratives, of the Charlie Hebdo Paris shooting to illustrate how hashtag virality can be a mechanism for the spread and enforcement of Western perspectives. It then explored precedents under which international law could potentially warrant regulation of such behavior. Concerned with the protection of human diversity and cultural pluralism, this essay advanced a normative course of action to facilitate social change as conceived by an interdisciplinary framework.
Highlights a Raleigh, NC nonprofit with a pay-what-you-can model cafe that is addressing local food insecurity. Examines the power of fostering a sense of community and dignity to build a more equitable community at the grassroots level.
Explores how creative arts (like puppetry) can be used to convey critical health messages, particularly young audiences. Offers valuable guidance for communicators seeking to develop innovative strategies for advancing public health goals.