#MarginalizedCommunities

[pineappleciders]

hey, have you heard of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)? it's a law that's been introduced to the US senate a few times now, and it's coming back. here's the most recent version of the bill.

wel, what would KOSA do? it's goal is to "protect children online", as the name would suggest, by having online content algorithms changed in the US. it'd also make it illegal for social medias and "addictive" internet feed to notify you at night or during school hours. the billmakers like to depict it as saving teenagers from body images, substance abuse , addiction and the likes, but it's not.

what KOSA aims to do is to shield children and teenagers from progressiveness. this law will create censorship for every single marginalized community, including POC, LGBTQ+, and women. this law is pure censorship and only aims to create less transgender folks in this "free" america.

i urge you to fight back. censorship laws are already being passed everywhere in america, and there is a very real chance this can be passed as well. if you value freedom on the internet, and especially if you're LGBTQ+, please take a moment to visit these links.

stopKOSA.com lets you sign a petition easily and directly call your lawmaker's office.

omarsbigsister's linktree has a script on what to say, as well as many resources on KOSA. (go check out @omarsbigsister on tiktok, she has good input on KOSA and is cool!!)

faxzero.com lets you fax your representatives FOR FREE 5 times per day.

while you are here, don't forget your daily click!

[mburley92]

My poem: We Rise

Today's Livestream was on my poem We Rise. This poem was written for both marginalized communities and for the disability community.

[representation-in-writing]

What is Writing Underrepresented Identities?

This blog will be all about identities that are underrepresented, prompts that might help to center these identities, and how to write these identities well. For example, I might have entries about autism representation, entries about agender representation, and entries about how to accurately write about genderfluid people.

If you want to learn to write about characters who have marginalized identities that aren't well-known this blog will hopefully be able to help you!

[phonemantra-blog]

The 2024 Kiwanis Eastern Canada and Caribbean (EC&C) District Convention brought together over 700 Kiwanis Club members from across the region for a three-day event in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Held from May 16th to 18th, 2024, the convention served as a platform for discourse on critical issues impacting children, communities, and the future of our planet. Kiwanis Gathers in Jamaica A Celebration of Service: Kiwanis' Global Mission Kiwanis International, a global organization boasting over 80 countries and half a million members, is dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities worldwide. With the motto "Serving the Children of the World," Kiwanis clubs organize service projects, fundraising initiatives, and mentorship programs that empower children and build stronger communities. Minister Bartlett Welcomes Kiwanis and Highlights Importance of Service The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett. Minister Bartlett applauded the Kiwanis organization for its dedication to service, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping a brighter future for children. He stressed the importance of "discourses in various areas of human development," with a particular focus on children's well-being, as the future rests in their hands. Minister Bartlett further emphasized the need to address the growing global population and its impact on resource consumption. He highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, urging Kiwanis members to be "custodians of the management of our environment." A healthy planet is essential for continued prosperity and a sustainable future for all. Building a More Peaceful and Productive World: The Role of Kiwanis Minister Bartlett also acknowledged the critical role Kiwanis play in fostering peace and collaboration across the globe. He commended the organization's extensive network and its dedication to service, crediting Kiwanis with "enabling this level of relationship to build capacity for human existence and collaboration." A Focus on Marginalized Communities: Addressing Inequality Through Service Montego Bay's Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, echoed the sentiment of building stronger communities, urging the Kiwanis organization to prioritize solutions for marginalized and under-represented groups. He highlighted the convention as "a powerful reminder that we are here to strategize how we can transform one community at a time." Unlocking the Caribbean's Potential: Human and Spiritual Values Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace, addressed the convention, highlighting the Caribbean's immense potential as a tourism destination. He acknowledged the need for change within the region, focusing on human and spiritual values. Dr. Wallace appealed to the Kiwanis members to leverage their influence and promote positive change within Caribbean communities. A Diverse Gathering: Kiwanis Leaders Unite The three-day convention brought together a diverse group of over 700 delegates. Participants included professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from 19 countries across the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. This diverse gathering fostered a platform for exchanging ideas, collaborating on solutions, and strengthening the global Kiwanis network.

[tumblingbackwardsdownthestairs]

Reminds me of all the victim blaming towards women/fems who dress femininely. As if ppl aren’t harassed & even S/Aed BECAUSE they dress masculinely despite being perceived as women

There is no “right way to be” to save you from those with malicious intent. There is no “perfect victim” whose suffering won’t be doubted. There is no “separating yourself from those asking for it”. At the end of the day the only thing making anyone a target to begin with is the people looking for one. Don’t wait for them to come after you before you’re willing to protect others. Stand with EVERY marginalized group whether you’re part of it or not

So within two days of each other, Fox News writes an article comparing aromanticism and asexuality to pedophilia, and then Matt Walsh releases a video saying asexuality is a mental illness and asexuals are tricking teenagers into having depression.

Not sure what’s going on right now over in Conservative World, but it’s a hell of wild U-turn for them to suddenly switch from “Oh no! The left is sexualizing our children!” to “Oh no! The left is asexualizing our children!”

[fianna-is-tired]

Biden doesn’t give a shit about us and he will keep making policies that hurt us bit by bit. That’s why voting for him CANNOT be the final step.

The difference is that the right’s voter base actively hates us; in order to keep them placated, any right-wing politician is going to need to say they hate us too—and actively work for the worst possible policy outcomes for us.

Abstaining from politics is a privilege not everyone has.

If you’re gay, trans, Latino, Black, indigenous, disabled, a woman, or any of the other marginalized groups, not voting is actively hurting your rights and leading to worse outcomes for you.

Vote. Then, after you’ve voted, go out into your community and do mutual aid, get plugged into your activitist scene, figure out what orgs you want to work with & support.

Our future depends on it.

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[itsnotmyfaultsomepeoplecantread]

Shout out to the guy in Crip Camp that says "If you're handicapped and passive by nature... You're really screwed." Thank you for changing our lives for the better.

Shout out to my family for saying I shouldn't be upset (about things that should be changed). Congrats on never having to suffer or struggle in any real way? I guess?

[the-holistic-goddess]

Promoting Healthy Emotional Outlets For Communities of Color

During National Minority Health Month, it's essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by urban and inner-city communities, especially when it comes to accessing healthy coping mechanisms for stress relief and emotional expression. Journaling, creative expression, and hobbies offer invaluable outlets for individuals to navigate the complexities of daily life and promote holistic well-being.

Using Journaling as a Therapeutic Tool:

Journaling provides a safe and private space for individuals to process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether through writing, drawing, or collage, journaling allows individuals to express themselves freely, release pent-up emotions, and gain clarity and perspective on their lives. For urban children and communities of color who may lack access to mental health resources, journaling can serve as a valuable tool for self-reflection, emotional regulation, and stress management.

Learning to Heal Through Creative Expression:

Engaging in creative activities such as painting, music, dance, or poetry offers a powerful outlet for self-expression and emotional release. Creative expression allows individuals to tap into their inner creativity, connect with their emotions, and channel their energy into constructive and meaningful pursuits. By nurturing creativity and self-expression, urban children and communities of color can cultivate resilience, confidence, and empowerment in the face of adversity.

Learning to Find Hobbies as a Source of Joy and Fulfillment:

Exploring hobbies and interests provides opportunities for individuals to engage in activities that bring them joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Whether it's gardening, cooking, sports, or crafting, hobbies offer a reprieve from daily stressors and allow individuals to recharge, relax, and connect with their passions. By promoting access to affordable and culturally relevant hobbies, we can empower urban communities to prioritize self-care, explore new interests, and build resilience in the face of adversity.

Helping Our Communities:

We must be intentional about advocating for greater access to journaling, creative expression, and hobbies within urban and inner-city communities of color. By investing in community-based programs, arts initiatives, and after-school activities that prioritize creativity and self-expression, we can provide children and families with the tools they need to cope with stress, navigate challenges, and foster mental and emotional well-being.

Over the years funding has slowly and increasingly been stripped from the arts programs, and the after-school programs that often provided children and individuals a way to have access to these things. Creating an increase in children and teenagers with no places to attend after they finish their school days. Being left with little to no supervision or stimulation, has caused a spike and increase in destructive behavior, and increased alcohol and drug use in the younger age groups to arise as the youth is left idle with nothing to stimulate them, or give them healthy outlets.

These healthy outlets promote holistic well-being, as they help individuals take care of their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. As a whole, we must be intentional about supporting organizations that provide these outlets and opportunities to underserved communities with limited funding and access to them. We can help more individuals gain access to these things, by getting them funding, finding individuals who can donate time, and supplies, and having designated spaces where individuals can cultivate their interests and healthy coping mechanisms.

[usnewsper-politics]

Activists Protest Against Systemic Racism and Sexism: Demanding Accountability from Lawrence Summers #activism #AlSharpton #freedomofspeech #LawrenceSummers #marginalizedcommunities #oppression #Protest #sexism #systemicinequality #systemicracism

[kimisworking]

Week 7: The role of platform governance in shaping the creative economy and its implications for creators from marginalized communities

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of platform governance in shaping the creative economy has become a topic of critical importance. The article “Platform governance at the margins: Social media creators’ experiences with algorithmic (in)visibility” by Brooke Erin Duffy and Colten Meisner provides an insightful examination of this issue, particularly its implications for creators from marginalized communities.

The authors highlight how the inscrutable socio-technical systems of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok can create challenges for social media creators. These platforms enact governance unevenly through formal or informal means, influencing creators’ practices and leading to self-censorship and efforts to circumvent algorithmic intervention. This is particularly impactful for creators from marginalized communities, who are systematically disadvantaged by these regimes of discipline and punishment.

This issue is further complicated by the lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making. As the World Economic Forum’s report on Agile Governance for Creative Economy 4.0 points out, the creative economy is being transformed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, the lack of agile governance - a more adaptive, human-centered, and sustainable policy approach - can hinder the growth of creative economies.

Moreover, the experiences of marginalized creators on platforms like TikTok reveal the stark reality of these challenges. These creators often face discrimination, suppression of content, and capped views, all under the guise of anti-bullying measures. This not only stifles their creativity but also limits their opportunities for economic development.

In conclusion, the role of platform governance in shaping the creative economy has profound implications for creators from marginalized communities. It is crucial for us to advocate for more transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in platform governance. This will not only foster a more diverse and vibrant creative economy but also ensure that all creators, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to thrive.

References:

Duffy, BE, Poell, T & Nieborg, DB 2019, ‘Platform Practices in the Cultural Industries: Creativity, Labor, and Citizenship’, Social Media + Society, vol. 5, no. 4, p. 205630511987967.

Potrel, V 2021, ‘Council Post: How Can You Make the Creative Platform Economy Work for You?’, Forbes, viewed 1 April 2024, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2021/07/09/how-can-you-make-the-creative-platform-economy-work-for-you/?sh=1e6801861979>.

Pearce, KE, Gonzales, A & Foucault Welles, B 2020, ‘Introduction: Marginality and Social Media’, Social Media + Society, vol. 6, no. 3, p. 205630512093041.

[pinkpetalbee]

🌈 When I encounter hate speech, my initial reaction is often judgment and anger. In the past, I would lash out, yelling at these individuals and responding with hurtful comments. However, with age comes wisdom, and I've learned to channel my anger more constructively.

I now refrain from wasting my energy on people's hurtful remarks. Instead, I've transformed my online space into a beacon of positivity and a refuge from negativity. While I can't eradicate hate speech entirely, I've chosen to contribute positively to the world.

One way I do this is by volunteering at organizations that support marginalized communities, including my own. By taking action and fostering positivity, I strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. 🌈

[don-simon]

If you're convinced the planet is flat, nowadays (thank God!) you don't have to stand on street corners with a sign, shouting at passersby. Instead, you have access to an online community of tens of thousands of individuals producing content that not only tells you are right, but also builds a web of pseudo-knowledge you can draw on anytime you feel your beliefs are being challenged.

from Eliot Higgins' essay, How to Win The Fight Against Disinformation (The Guardian, April 2022)

[memoriesfrombooks]

Seen Heard & Paid:  The New Work Rules for the Marginalized by Alan Henry is a "self-help" book about techniques - rules - for marginalized persons to survive and thrive in a workplace. Interestingly, the definition in and of itself does not reference race, gender, religion, age, or any myriad of ways in which marginalization can occur. The tips and techniques, while not new and relatively common sense, are a good refresher. 

Reviewed for NetGalley.