I was fascinated by the presentation from Raquel Recuero on her discussion of youth and social movements in Brazil. What I felt was so interesting is that the country seems to have quite an experience with social networks with 70% of the population aged 16-25 using the Internet on a regular basis. Brazil is now the 2nd largest country for users of Facebook which was only fairly recently introduced. Hence, I felt it was so valuable to reflect upon some of the areas Raquel presents as to what is occurring with use of the social sites in Brazil.
The tools being used are social sites on the Internet and they seem to be creating powerful connections within the youth of this country. One fascinating site she discussed was created by a young man who has grown up in the favelas and has created a space “Community Voices” which tells the story or what is happening in his favela. Why I find this so intriguing is that this is coming out of a favela which traditionally has been ignored by the local agencies and really is unto itself and here others have the opportunity to see and hear insights into the community.
Another recent emergence Recuero’s described is the site created to show dance moves and then invite others to the challenge to improve the dance in the Small Step Battle. Groups were learning from each other and had formed their own competition. What is important is that individuals came together for this activity and connected which may not have happened without this particular site and additionally this was a peaceful interchange.
What I find so exciting is the energy and passion that is being created by such activities. Although, when looking at “Changing Citizenship in the Digital Age” the article seems to paint a much more dismal picture of youth and the social sites. I feel that if groups are able to see opportunities to create, learn and change using the internet we have the potential to create a much better society. Perhaps how we measure social responsibility in this country is too tied to government agencies and we need to reevaluate and encourage the opportunities the Internet can create.
Digital Youth, Social Movements, and Democracy in Brazil. Retrieved on 10/16/2013 form:
Recuero, R. (2012). Brazil: Kids using digital media to teach each other, change culture. Retrieved on
I was working a sociology class in a post secondary setting once. The professor frequently preached, do not judge another's ways or culture based on our own ethnocentrism. However, he would make derogatory comments about the current digital generation until once student called him out on it.
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph reminds me of this incident. It may be something to continue to remind the researchers.
Michele,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what some of these blogs remind us of. I think it is all to easy to think negatively about changes but there usually is a silver lining somewhere!
Lydia