Should social media activists be pitted against one another for entertainment?

Mona

Called ‘Philantainment’ and charged of ‘monetising, commodifying and trivialising’ activism, the new reality series The Activist has drawn ire globally. Priyanka Chopra, who along with Usher and Julianne Hough was to team up with the activists for this show, has become the target of trolls.

All phoney, or capable of some real change, social media activism, a relatively new phenomenon, has been questioned once again. So much so that CBS had to reformat the show as a documentary.

While the pandemic saw the rise of real heroes – Sonu Sood leading from the front, and many joining him on digital platforms. Richa Chadha backed The KINDry, a digital platform that brought to front real stars whose selfless help made all the difference in the pandemic-stricken world. Priyanka Chopra too raised funds for India to fight the Covid challenges.

Alongside were those sharing tons of pictures while donating 10 ration kits to the needy. They were charged of dehumanising those in need to gain some limelight. The Activist brings back the debate – can change-makers be pitted against each other and judged on their online engagement? Priyanka Chopra issued an apology after American dancer, actress, singer and songwriter Julianne Hough admitted ‘judging aspect of the show missed the mark’.

“At the core, activism is fuelled by cause and effect, and when the people come together to raise their voice about something, there is always an effect. You were heard,” said Priyanka Chopra.

“I’m happy to know that in this new format, their stories will be the highlight, and I’m proud to collaborate with the partners who have their ear to the ground and know when it’s time to hit the pause button and re-evaluate,” she added.

We made a difference

Opinions on #journalism, however, vary. Says bestselling author Bhaavna Arora, “While I am yet to see how The Activist comes out, especially in the new format, social media activism is real and that’s my first hand experience”. With 162K followers on Twitter, she garnered help for those in need on social media platforms throughout the pandemic. She says, “I received help within minutes when many in the family were affected during the second wave. It meant the world to me because it was only minutes difference between patients and facilities, life and death,” she says.

Boon & bane

Author Ravinder Singh, who is taking baby steps into social media activism, feels it has given voice to the masses. “The same weapon that’s used to protect can be used to attack too.”

Engaging with his 141k followers on Insta regularly, he admits it’s been a learning experience as well. During the pandemic, he took an abs challenge taking along his followers on a fitness journey.

“While news in print or channels is not the medium of the youngsters anymore, social media comes handy. Not only can one voice one’s opinion, but raise issues, form and opinion and push for real change.”