Self-Reflection

I think I was able to expand our reach by simply posting at least two times a day. The amount of people reached on an individual post averaged around 500. I definitely noticed that there are certain times of the day that the majority of people are online. I tried to post once in the morning around 10-11 a.m and again around 1-3 p.m. I posted a couple videos but I could have posting more looking back. I also could have incorporated more posts with costumers wearing our items. Overall I think my campaign plan was well executed and successful.

Summary

Because I committed to posting twice or even more a day, the page was able to grow and maintain a following. Posting photos of new inventory, as well as daily deals on the page kept people interested. We had the biggest reach when we posting a giveaway that required followers to comment and tag friends for a chance to win. Collaborating with photographers also helped us reach a larger audience. We used other social media as well like Instagram and Twitter to post photos and videos of new inventory.

Campaign Plan

The plan was to create a new Facebook page to advertise the all new Closet Revival Boutique. We wanted to keep previous followers, as well as gaining new ones. A change of logo and nicer layout provided the change we were seeking. In order to establish the page as quickly as possible, I intended to post at least twice a day.

Facebook Insights

Recognizing Default Responses

Looking through my on the media posts, I realized my first post regarding safe places was extremely bias. Because I did not understand the need for these safe places, my default response was annoyance. I believe this default response stems from my inability to relate to those who support safe places. Growing up as a white female in Utah, I never experienced such judgment or hate. My immediate negative attitudinal response kept me from even attempting to see the other side.

In my most recent on the media post, I actually recognized the fact that I used to have racist tendencies that I adapted from my family. I was able to acknowledge several attitudinal responses I used to have in regards to different races other than my own. My way of thinking has changed just from my first on the media post to my most recent one. As I read both posts, I felt like two different people had written them. 

In order to distance myself from my previous default responses, I intend to adapt a more critical way of thinking. My background and family influence is something that has caused a great deal of bias in my life. I feel I have somewhat separated myself from that influence, and that has allowed me to be open to more information. I believe time and knowledge will broaden my way of thinking, and hopefully result in less bias.

On The Media #3: Race, Class, and the United States of Anxiety

The broadcast discusses the question "what does it mean to be white in the United States of America?" The expectations vs. reality of people's hopes and opinions regarding the issue.

The broadcast begins with a collection of statements from individuals. One man in particular shares his experience of growing up a racist, and how one of the hardships is first confronting the fact that you're a racist. The second part is acknowledging that the ones you love raised you that way. I relate strongly to this man's story because I grew up in a small town here in Utah and was rarely exposed to diversity. I never regarded myself or any of my family members as being racist, until I was about 16 years old. I started to notice little comments from my family and certain tendencies I had adapted. I've definitely changed my way of thinking, but most of my family has not. A big reason I don't get on Facebook is because I don't want to read arrogant comments from those I love.

The broadcast goes on to discuss the role racism has taken in the current election. Ever since Donald Trump said that Mexican immigrants are rapists, racism has become a huge issue in this campaign. Of course racism has always been apart of politics, however, this election has brought on the new question "what is whiteness?" Several discussions regarding white privilege have flooded social media. This is a discussion that people should be having, but I personally think that social media tends to generated more hate rather than solutions.

I think the argument over the term whiteness is ridiculous and pointless. While I acknowledge that white privilege exists, I do not think whiteness can ever truly be defined. The broadcast even states that the term is forever changing and molding to benefit those who feel entitled to it. It is just another way to try and separate people. Skin color is not a tool in which you can categorize someone. This election has been centered on racism and caused a huge divide in America. I believe we really are the United States of Anxiety because of this current election.

Well Informed: Syria and Immigration

By searching Syrian Immigration, I was brought to the Syrian Refugees website. The page focuses on the Syrian crisis and the European Union's role as the provider of humanitarian aid and hosting region. Since March 2001, there has been an estimated 11 million Syrians who have left their homes in Syria. After six years of war, 13.5 million are now in need of humanitarian assistance. While the UE is the main contributor for humanitarian aid, 70% of the funding is currently missing according to the estimates of the UNHCR. In an attempt to better understand this migration crisis, the website provides several links to pages containing more facts and information.

While I found this website to hold reliable and important information, I think the video we watched in class gave me a better understanding of the issue. Following one families journey from Syria to Russia provided a first-hand insight to the devastating conditions of Syria, and the struggle to adapt to a new life in another country. The video contains images of the violence and destruction that has taken over Aleppo. I previously knew about the war in Syria, but I had no idea about the extent of damage it has caused. It was eye-opening to witness the children's adaptive behavior in response to living in the middle of the war. I also became more aware of the difficult process refugees undergo when attempting to enter another country. The challenge is not only physical, but very much emotional. They experienced a great deal of emotional trauma, in such a short amount of time. Their story showcases the incredibly real and brutal situation that is currently happening in Syria.