If you have been on Instagram or
Twitter lately, you have probably come across the Mannequin Challenge a time or
two. If you have been avoiding social media lately (I do not blame you), the
Mannequin Challenge is the newest internet trend in which people stand
completely still in poses while a video is recorded.
Most of the Mannequin Challenges I
have seen have been all fun and games – usually dancers frozen during class or
a sports team frozen during practice.
However, I came across a much more
serious video today. This challenge was done by filmmakers Simon Shepherd,
Kevalena Everett, and Todd Anthony to raise awareness of police brutality. The
short video re-enacts the tragic scenes of many popular police shootings and
other racial issues including Philando Castille, Sandra Bland, Alton Sterling,
Trayvon Martin, and Colin Kaepernick. There is also police scanner audio
playing in the background.
The video is honestly hard to
watch, as it shows many individuals being mistreated and put in horrible
situations. It is very effective at helping the audience picture these
situations and the need for change. I think a video like this is a great way to peacefully protest police brutality. The video caused no harm, but has already received a lot of publicity in less than a week (it has been viewed over 700,000 times on Facebook as of November 10, 2016). This is how social media should be used. The filmmakers used their platform to make a statement, rather than put others down.
Here is a link to the video, which speaks for itself.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/mannequin-challenge-takes-racism-frozen-frames-n682236
Thank you for sharing! I agree that this is an effective, peaceful way to protest. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThe video was very powerful. I appreciate how you acknowledged that this a very peaceful form of protest. It does not encourage violence, so that is always positive.
ReplyDeleteI did see this video, and I appreciate your commentary on it! Your opinions on this were clear and effective, and I completely agree with you on its effect.
ReplyDeleteWonderful and powerful video. Great balance of your views about this video and the analysis of it. I agree with your statement that this is how the media should be used because it is a great way of displaying tragedies that happen in America everyday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the link to the video! You did a good job of providing an overview and your own opinions of the video, well done!
ReplyDeleteI think you explained the effects of the video really well. I think that it is important for people to see this!
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