Far be it from me to get political or even take a firm stance on racial issues. I'm a strategist. That means, unless you work for the Klan, if you want to hire me to improve the image of your brand, chances are I will do it.
But I feel compelled to discuss the Trayvon Martin case, because as a multicultural social media strategist, I find it fascinating that we are on the precipice of the first racially charged case that will be tried in the court of Social Media (initial caps seems appropriate here).
Just as the O.J. Simpson case ushered in the era of the TV trial, this tragic event will more than likely be remembered for its impact on social media. This recent article from BET.com even likened the social media discussion about the case, to that of the discussions being held in barbershops around the country. For those of you who don't know, in the African-American community, news does not get more real than what you hear in the barbershop.
On Facebook, many (not only African-American) are staging a "Blackout". Black squares are popping up where once a profile picture stood to show solidarity.
To me, this is fascinating because it is the first time that we can so clearly see where the lines are drawn. I am old enough to remember seeing the shock and awe on the faces of my co-workers at the reaction of the Black people on TV when the Simpson verdict was read. Quite frankly, none of us really expected that reaction. And no one was really prepared for it.
But this is different. As a data geek, I am amazed that we can literally count the number of people who want to see this verdict go one way or the other. You have no idea how hard it is right now for me NOT to go into what this means from a marketing standpoint. But, even I am not that myopic and cynical (close though).
The reality is a young man is dead, and another man's life is over...no matter what the verdict or your politics. This is a tragedy for our cultures; for our country and even for the media. Because, much like with the Simpson trial, I am sure this case will start to politicize the various social media outlets. Who knows, one day posting on Instagram might be as polarizing as attending a Rand Paul fundraiser. I certainly hope not.
And...fade to black!
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