TikTok Rarely Supports Black TikTokers, Even during Black History Month
I love Black History Month, but living in the era of social media means that this month signals a rise in performative activism and solidarity with the Black community that usually disappears the moment we make it to March. Especially as we enter the era of How to be Anti-Racist and the continued rise of hashtag activism, it has become easy for individuals and institutions to express their allegiance to Black culture through releasing statements, content, and even merchandise to entice community members and allies to participate in various forms of Black commodity fetishism.
And, while many of these announcements and collaborations are genuine in their investment in sharing knowledge and cultural appreciation, there are just as many who use this month as an attempt to right past wrongs through positive publicity. Which is why I wasn’t surprised about the many Black History Month controversies that have occured within various social media platforms over the years.
At this point, it just wouldn’t be February unless a popular company or platform committed an egregious faux pas in the face of Black community members. And this month is no different. Therefore, I want to explore the many Black History Month blunders that I have come across in my social media research projects, as well as some of the ways…
