How does a leader, like MLK, impact a movement? This question led to many different answers and a long conversation. The argument was directed at the idea of whether or not a leader significantly impacts a movement or just plays a role in the face of it. After a long debate, many argued that a “leader” provides momentum and ideals that people can follow. I agree with this statement because a leader allows people to unite under a set of ideas and actions and act on their frustrations together. This creates “the movement” and gives people something to fight for. Altogether, these actions create this momentum and desire to fight for the people.
A classmate then initiated the conversation about social media being the main leader for the BLM movement. This idea is very interesting considering the consistent media converge on the recent movements. Social media apps provide constant information, whether its accurate or not, and influences its users to a very high degree. The idea of social media being the current leader of BLM, I believe, is very accurate. Social media has provided videos and ideas that have fueled the momentum of the movement and a place where people can unite and fight together. Various social media accounts have created certain pages that allow people to follow the ideas they resonate with and rally under the frustration they personally are facing.
During the conversation, I argued that events lead to the fight and fuel of the movement. I still agree with my point but have other ideas on the subject. I believe that certain events, like the recent deaths and violent arrests, have led to further fire and momentum of the BLM movement. These injustices have led to greater frustration and angry from the followers and allies of the BLM movement. Although these events have fueled “the fire”, the people of the movement and their actions of uniting with each are the ways that the momentum is maintained.