6 Undeniable Ways TikTok Contributes to Collective/Individual Liberation
What is Behind the TikTok Ban?
It’s no secret that the government wants to ban TikTok, or at the very least, take control of it. A TikTok ban has been in the works for several years using different avenues each time to try and gain legislative approval. On March 13th, the agenda to ban TikTok succeeded in the House of Representatives with bipartisan support (352-65). The latest avenue dubbed “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” now moves to the US Senate.
The Official Narrative
The official narrative that we are supposed to believe is that TikTok is a danger to Americans because Bytedance (TikTok’s Parent Company) is a Chinese company, and hypothetically could steal our data or manipulate the content. There is no evidence that China has stolen any data, nor has manipulated any content.
We are also supposed to believe that this bill does not outright ban TikTok, but pressures TikTok to divest from Bytedance. Yet, TikTok has stated they will not divest, which will result in a ban. This is simply a hostile takeover attempt and digital imperialism.
The United States government has done nothing to protect our data from being stolen on Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Instagram. Yet, TikTok is their only concern. Also, if TikTok is such a danger, why are Congress members like Jeff Jackson-NC still posting there? Why is the Biden campaign posting on TikTok?
The official narrative isn’t convincing.
What’s really behind banning TikTok?
We can follow the money, expose politicians' stock investments in Meta, and analyze politician’s corporate donors. We can also examine systems of oppression and why TikTok is a threat to them. TikTok is a powerful tool for collective/individual liberation.
Here are 6 undeniable ways that TikTok contributes to collective and
individual liberation:
Expression and Creativity: TikTok is a social media platform that provides individuals with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talents without the traditional gatekeeping of mainstream media. It allows people to freely express themselves and rise in their careers, even if they lack personal connections. The freedom that comes with TikTok allows individuals to explore and celebrate their identities, cultures, and experiences.
Community Building and Solidarity: TikTok is a social media platform that allows individuals to connect with like-minded people around shared interests, identities, and causes. It offers a sense of belonging and solidarity to marginalized groups and provides a platform for them to amplify their voices, advocate for their rights, and mobilize for social change. TikTok has the power to bring people together from different nationalities, cultures, and religions, and promotes the idea of shared humanity, which is a threat to systems that aim to divide us.
Education and Awareness: TikTok is an online platform that provides a space for people to share knowledge and raise awareness on various topics such as social, political, and environmental issues. By making information and diverse perspectives accessible to everyone, TikTok can help individuals become more informed, critical thinkers, and active participants in societal debates and activism. The platform allows people to easily organize and connect with others, which can lead to the creation of movements that can spread, grow in power, and create change.
Representation and Visibility: TikTok provides a platform for underrepresented groups to share their stories and experiences, challenge stereotypes, and increase visibility in mainstream media. By doing so, they can counteract erasure and promote greater inclusivity, understanding, and empathy in society.
Financial Freedom: TikTok provides a platform for creators to monetize their content, while also empowering small businesses to make sales and create jobs. When Americans have financial freedom they are liberated from oppressive labor systems.
Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: TikTok is a platform that enables individuals to stand up for themselves, assert their rights, and hold institutions and authorities accountable. Whether they're addressing personal challenges, systemic injustices, or advocating for changes in policies, TikTok can be used as a tool for self-empowerment, agency, and collective action.
TikTok is a powerful social media app that has a unique ability to spread information quickly and widely. No other app comes close when it comes to how far-reaching and quickly important information can be shared. This ensures that Americans are always aware of important legislative changes that may affect us. In a democracy, an educated population is a crucial component, and TikTok helps to keep people informed, making them more engaged and active in the democratic process.
TikTok is also instrumental in the deconstruction process, which we must collectively go through if we are to achieve collective liberation.
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