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. 

On the Media: War, Peace... and Clowns

The majority of the broadcast focuses on the current clown issue. The topic begins with the idea that this clown situation may be the most "chilling" issue being discussed this fall. The story talks about the increase of clown sightings, and how cops have even created a clown squad in an attempt to control the situation. The broadcast includes a discussion with Benjamin Radford, who is the author of a book called Bad Clowns. Radford states that this clown hysteria is repetitive, and random outbreaks have been accruing for years. This paranoia is fueled by incidents like the John Wayne Gacy case. Radford goes on to explain that rumors and fears can take hold in America, and cause situations like the phantom clowns to arise again.

I agree that this sudden outbreak of clown paranoia stems from the stress of the presidential election, recent shootings, and terrorism. The broadcast continues to discuss the several versions of clowns that have been created by book, TV, and film throughout the years. Stephen king's IT creating a touchstone for the killer clown, while the joker has been presented as the crazy clown. Although there has been positive representations of clowns in the past, the negative image has seemingly become more common. When questioned why that is, Radford explained that the wearing of a mask hides emotion, and that causes an uneasy feeling of what they're going to do. I also agree that the immediate distrust of clowns comes from the unknown emotion or intent they have, which results in fear.

I have personally always had a fear of clowns, (aside from the joker) I never regarded them in a humorous or entertaining way. My fear began after watching Stephen King's IT when I was 10 years old, and since then I have never been able to shake the negative image. I also believe that it's a lot easier to make a clown horrifying than funny. The current issue of clown sightings is alarming to me, however, I do believe it will eventually fade away like past occurrences.

Well Informed: Security and Privacy

The NSA has become extremely invasive in order to prevent events like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 from occurring again. This clear violation of the Fourth Amendment has been somewhat ignored. The fear of losing security has been outweighed by the fear of another tragedy (at least for now). I don't necessarily applaud this method, but it has proven to be effective. Is there a way to balance both security and liberty? Benjamin Franklin stated, "They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety." This statement is brutal in a way, because it doesn't allow for any compromise. I personally don't have anything that I would want to hide from the NSA. I'm not saying I am completely comfortable with the invasion of privacy, I just don't feel threatened by it.

My big question is if we really don't have that much privacy, then how do all these kidnappings go unsolved. Aside from tracking phones, why are child porn viewers not be targeted? I could be wrong, because my only source of this data comes from watching a lot of Investigation Discovery. It's just alarming to me how so many cases can go unsolved, when we are supposedly being watched 24/7 via internet and travel. I understand that this invasion of privacy stemmed from the prevention of terrorist attacks, but I can't help myself from criticizing the way all this information is being used.

Hashtagging the Debate

Watching the debate and simultaneously checking my own twitter feed, along with searching popular hashtags, allowed me to compare people's opinions throughout the whole debate. My twitter feed contained tweets from Hillary supporters, Trump supporters, and people who did not support either candidate. The official Twitter hashtag #debates, provided an endless amount of tweets ranging from fact checking videos to funny memes. Each topic discussed during the debate was commented on by viewers. By using different hashtags I was able to pin point tweets specifically regarding those issues. I wasn't that shocked to see my own feed consisted mostly of mocking each candidate. I was shocked, however, to see that #trumpwon was the #1 trending hashtag on Twitter today. I don't necessarily like Hillary, but I am definitely against Trump. It was both an insightful and alarming experience to follow the debate on Twitter, and be exposed to that many differing opinions.

My Twitter Feed

Trending

#debate

 

Well Informed: Race Baiting

By simply searching "race baiting" on twitter, several tweets pop up involving opinions, accusations, and examples of the term. Recent tweets tend to be centered around Trump and Hillary, both of which are being targeted for "race baiting" comments and/or actions.

Race baiting is definitely a seriously issue, and although social media provides an outlet for discussion, it can sometimes be misleading information. In fact social media can fuel the fire and create more hate and a bigger divide. For example, the posting of a racist meme only ignites further arguments and fury from both sides. The media is responsible for the overwhelming response regarding police brutality and racism. Whether the information has been manipulated on social media or not, the public will react according to what they believe to be true. These repetitive and controversial issues are causing social media to become more sensitive and aggressive. If people would take the time to well inform themselves before voicing their opinion so publicly, social media could possibly transform these negative interactions into a respectful exchange of ideas.

On the Media: Kids These Days

Safe Places

I found it interesting hearing both sides of the topic, however, I personally believe that "safe places'" shouldn't exist. I feel like the need to "shelter" people from being offended is kinda ridiculous. The First Amendment gives the right to freedom of speech, and that right seems to be restricted at these "safe places." I absolutely don't encourage any kind of hateful or indecent speech, but to ignore issues going on in the world just because it offends you, seems childish to me.  Despite these "safe places," it's hard to believe that whatever they are escaping from they haven't already see or heard via social media and/or television. 

The podcast gives examples of different contexts including: 

Social- Interaction between those involved in "safe places"

Cultural- Discusses racial issues

Physiological- Feelings and thoughts provoked by "offensive material"

Facebook page plan

To establish Closet Revival's transition from a consignment store to a boutique, an all new facebook page was created. By announcing this change on facebook, several previous likers of Closet Revival then joined the new page. The plan to both gain and maintain our audience includes:
1. Post/Update everyday
2. Expand our reach outside of St. George
3. Create online deals
4. Collaborate

Personas

Abby is 19 years old and attending her first year of college. She is both nervous and excited for this new chapter in her life. Abby is looking to add all new items to her wardrobe. She wants to find a store that is up to date with the trends but still affordable. Abby also lives at one of the dorms on campus and uses her bike for transportation, so she would prefer somewhere relatively close to the college.

Michelle is a 28 year old successful hairstylist, that just recently got offered a trip to New York. She is very happy to be going but realizes she needs a couple New York worthy outfits. She also wants to buy complete outfits, everything from the shoes to the accessories. Michelle preferably needs some heel booties, dresses, band tees, jeans/leggings, and choker necklaces. She would love to find all these items at the same boutique.

Lissa is a 22 year old part-time model, searching for a certain style of clothing for an upcoming photo shoot. The photographer wants to do a shoot of two girls with completely different styles. Lissa is told to wear more of an edgy/grunge style of clothing, while the other girl's style is more modest and soft. She's hoping to find a black tee, leggings and red choker. Lissa also wants to find a store that carries the other model's style as well.

Mission statement

The facebook page is all about promoting the new Closet Revival boutique. Updating followers on new arrivals, deals and the remodeling process. The goal is to showcase items online that are currently on display and available to buy in store or over the phone.

Closet Revival Facebook page link

https://www.facebook.com/closetrevivalboutique/