# Examining Racial Discrimination in Social Media Spaces
Written on
Chapter 1: The Shift to Digital Conversations
In today's society, social media has largely supplanted traditional face-to-face conversations, serving as a virtual gathering place for individuals to express their opinions on various topics. While many users casually engage with these platforms, others rely on them for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, just as racism affects individuals in physical workplaces, it similarly impacts Black users in these digital environments. The anonymity provided by social media often allows racist sentiments to flourish unchecked. TikTok, with its impressive 102.3 million active users in the United States, is a prime example of this phenomenon.
Even though TikTok has publicly committed to supporting the Black community, it still grapples with the racism that occurs within its platform. In a 2020 statement, the company expressed regret for the feelings of insecurity and suppression experienced by Black creators and asserted their commitment to amplifying Black voices. However, the reality faced by many Black content creators contradicts this optimistic narrative. Two former employees of ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, lodged a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging they faced racial discrimination and retaliation during their employment.
Section 1.1: The Dichotomy Between Words and Actions
Just before Black History Month commenced, TikTok acknowledged the influence of Black creators in shaping “mainstream culture” and driving innovation across various fields. Nevertheless, many Black users have reported experiences of racism, including unequal content promotion and unjust flagging of benign posts. TikTok gained popularity amidst a national reckoning on racial issues, yet there exists a stark contrast between the company's stated values and the lived experiences of Black creators. In environments where discrimination prevails, the free expression of some groups becomes stifled while others are elevated.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Legislative Landscape
Currently, TikTok's user base continues to expand, and potential federal actions may influence its future. The House of Representatives has proposed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, commonly known as the TikTok ban. If passed, this legislation would restrict access to TikTok for Americans if it remains under the ownership of ByteDance, a privately owned Chinese entity. President Biden has indicated his support for this initiative, citing concerns that foreign-owned platforms may pose risks for election interference.
Section 1.2: Misconceptions About the Threat Landscape
Supporters of the ban appear to overlook that domestic companies can also jeopardize consumer safety. For instance, numerous states have filed lawsuits against Meta for harming minors on its platforms. This indicates that no social media company has completely mastered consumer protection, regardless of its ownership.
Chapter 2: The Impact of a Potential Ban
The assumption that Americans would simply adapt to a TikTok ban overlooks the platform's significant role in the careers of many Black creators. With TikTok now ranking as the fourth most popular social media platform, it has evolved beyond merely a venue for dance challenges. Users leverage TikTok for a wide range of activities, from personal storytelling and tutorials to social commentary and activism.
In previous eras, social media like MySpace had little bearing on the financial well-being of most users. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically; many individuals now earn a living through platforms like TikTok. A ban would not only impact the owners but also disrupt the livelihoods of countless creators who rely on the platform for income. Notable figures like Khaby Lame and Tabitha Brown exemplify the potential for financial success that TikTok offers to Black creators, bypassing traditional avenues of approval.
What Black creators on TikTok seek is equitable access to audiences and revenue opportunities akin to those enjoyed by their white counterparts. Unfortunately, the momentum for a ban seems to overshadow calls for reform. Although concerns about TikTok's practices are valid, particularly regarding national security, banning the platform could marginalize Black users who depend on it for connection and expression.
In conclusion, the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, with the possibility of either continued growth or a ban looming. Regardless of the platform's fate, the challenge remains: how to ensure that Black voices are not stifled online. As our society becomes increasingly digital, it is imperative to address how online spaces can reflect and perpetuate real-world issues. The fight against racism must extend to our digital interactions, or we risk replicating the same societal inequalities in virtual spaces.