Trauma, Shared Recognition and Indigenous Resistance on Social media

Authors

  • Bronwyn Lee Carlson Macquarie University
  • Lani V Jones University at Albany, State University New York
  • Michelle Harris University at Albany, State University New York
  • Nelia Quezada University at Albany, State University New York
  • Ryan Frazer Macquarie University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3127/ajis.v21i0.1570

Keywords:

Shared recognition, Social Media, Indigenous, Trauma, Resistance, Linked Fate

Abstract

This paper investigates the ways in which Indigenous Australians respond individually, and collectively, to racial vilification by means of social media sites. Introducing the concept of “shared recognition” this paper describes the collective sense of anger and frustration experienced by Indigenous people when traumatic events in the public domain act as reminders of ongoing colonialism. Three examples are explored to demonstrate collective trauma as a result of racist and discriminatory acts that are made public, and the ways in which social media is utilised by Indigenous Australians to make sense of and cope with trauma. Firstly, the Four Corners program on ABC television entitled ‘Australia’s Shame’. Secondly, a cartoon produced by the editorial cartoonist for The Australian newspaper, Bill Leak depicting Indigenous fathers as neglectful. Finally, the social media movement, #IndigenousDads, that emerged in response to these events and demonstrates ongoing resistance to colonial narratives. Drawing on Sara Ahmed’s (2004) notion of “affective economies” this paper unpacks the politics of pain, shame and pride in the aftermath of both the Four Corners program and the Bill Leak cartoon.

Author Biography

Bronwyn Lee Carlson, Macquarie University

Professor Carlson is the Head of the Department of Indigenous Studies at Macquarie University

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Published

2017-07-19

How to Cite

Carlson, B. L., Jones, L. V., Harris, M., Quezada, N., & Frazer, R. (2017). Trauma, Shared Recognition and Indigenous Resistance on Social media. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 21. https://doi.org/10.3127/ajis.v21i0.1570

Issue

Section

Research on Indigenous use of Information and Communication Technologies