MEDIA BYTES
By Rev. Marty Levesque
SOCIAL MEDIA has amplified our awareness of global and local crises, sparking an outpouring of support. However, how we engage with these issues online reveals a crucial distinction: charity versus solidarity.
Often prevalent on social media, the charity model manifests as viral donation campaigns and "awareness" posts. While these efforts can provide immediate relief, they often perpetuate a "saviour" narrative, where those with platforms offer aid to passive recipients. Think of the trending hashtag that raises money for a specific cause but fades when the next crisis hits.
Solidarity, on the other hand, demands a deeper engagement. It's about using social media to amplify marginalized voices, challenge unjust structures of society, and build lasting communities. It moves beyond fleeting donations to fostering sustained dialogue and action.
A solidarity-focused approach might involve platforming affected communities and sharing their stories, rather than filtering them through a privileged lens. Solidarity moves beyond the superficial and challenges misinformation through critically analyzing narratives and exposing the root causes of inequality.
Solidarity builds online and offline networks and connects with local organizations and movements working towards long-term systematic change through promoting education and critical thinking for privileged communities. Social media allows the sharing of resources that empower users to understand complex social issues.
Social media's potential for connection can be a powerful tool for solidarity. It allows us to transcend geographical barriers and build global movements. However, it requires a shift from passive consumption to active participation, from fleeting charity to sustained solidarity. By leveraging social media to amplify marginalized voices and challenge unjust structures of society, we can move beyond performative activism and build a more equitable and just world and fully live into our baptismal vows
Rev. Marty Levesque is the rector of All Saints’ in Waterloo. He served as diocesan social media officer.