Better Usage of "Social Network Activism"

Activism groups could make better use of social networking on the internet. They can do this by using Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other internet sites as an aid to help with social activism. On Facebook, for example, a movement group could not only design a page that people follow, but perhaps also create social rallies, marches, demonstrations and sit-ins in the community. This would greatly benefit the activism movement because now not only could thousands of citizens become involved online, they can also personally act in society by knowing where and when to go to an event. This will, in turn, develop characteristics of both the "old-school" and "new-school" ways of being socially active in society. Old-school ways consist of the marches and demonstrations, while the new-school approach centers around using networking on the internet. An even dose of both would create a successful social activism movement.

Below is a video of a sample activist demonstration:

Social Network Activism- Facebook

Personally, I have not practiced much social network activism. However, I have witnessed many cases in which other people have taken part in social network activism. Websites such as Facebook and Twitter have allowed people all over the world to congregate and voice their opinions concerning ideas surrounding social activism issues. Regularly, as I browse Facebook, I constantly get invitations asking me if I would like to join random social networks. For example, I recently got a message in my inbox asking if I would like to join the "Car Wash and Lemonade Stand fundraiser" group. If I were to join this group, I would immediately be activated to an electriconic list showing that I support the initiative that this group is taking. I ended up not joining this group, but I did have friends who enrolled in the electronic group list to enable them to represent their voices.

Below is a humorous video of Facebook on the internet.

Effectiveness of Tiger Woods ad campaigns

In all of the commercials that Tiger Woods has represented himself in, he portrays a sense of confidence, swagger, and persuasiveness to the audience. Tiger is not only African American and considered an ethnic minority, but is also very talented, athletic, and dedicated among many other things as well. For example, in some of his Nike Golf ads, Woods is shown juggling golf balls with his club and also doing tricks with it. This kind of commercial appeals to the audience because it gives the people a certain feeling while watching. The feeling might be, "if Tiger Woods can juggle while wearing a bunch of Nike gear, then maybe I could eventually do the same if I purchase Nike equipment." In other ad campaigns, Woods can be seen in athletic apparel where his athletic build becomes very noticeable. This also appeals to the audience, especially women. Tiger Woods has become a household in which nearly everybody in the country knows who he is and because he is a minority, he becomes that much more charming to the people.

Below is a commercial representing Tiger Woods effectiveness on viewers. He is also very inspirational, as shown in the video.

Tiger Woods

I changed my spokesperson from the Geico Gecko to Tiger Woods because I felt that Woods possessed the kind of excellent qualities that a representative of a sport/ad campaign should have. Woods changed the way people look at golf and commercial ads as a whole. No longer is golf thought of as the white man's sport, rather a sport that any one with any ethnicity can be great at. The popularity of golf increased exponentially after Tiger Woods became the face of the sport around 12-14 years ago. Tiger Woods also changed how commercials were viewed by the public. Many individuals started to actually believe in the product Woods was trying to sell. Whether it was Nike golf goods or a Buick car, Tiger made the items very appealing simply by showing off his skills and exposing his athletic body.

Below is a sample commercial of Tiger Woods selling his product: