The Internet is a powerful tool. It can make or break a person, push forward or hold back an issue and make a difference of the kind that nothing else can today. We've seen revolutions being born out from a comment made on the internet - but somethings struck more of a cord with us in 2017. Somethings made us see the hint of a change that many have longed to see. Here are 6 empowering moments from the Internet we'll take with us next year.
1. Beyonce's pregnancy post
When Beyonce posted her picture on Instagram announcing her pregnancy, it sent the world into a frenzy. People went gaga about how beautiful she looked. This picture then went on to become 2017's most liked. Here's why this was so shocking - what until recently would have made people whisper and scuttle as if they'd seen a ghost, garnered so much love and respect. Yes, we're talking about the female body, in its most natural form. While Beyonce has proven to be a pathbreaking icon over and over, this one definitely sparked a new sense of belief and acceptance the world over. No nasty comments, no shaming - just pure love.
2. #MeToo
Seeing a trend or cause pick up speed on social media is no longer baffling. Movements start in one corner of the world and end in another, all thanks to the power of social media. The #MeToo movement sparked sentiment in a whole different way, though. Women came out in solidarity and spoke about an issue that has been taboo for years - sexual abuse, harassment and assault. Women, taking courage from each other, were able to speak about something that they felt they needed to keep hidden from even their closest confidants for years. The movement started on Twitter and soon took over everyone's Facebook feeds. Women narrated their stories and men joined in with their own. It showcased a sad truth, but at the same time was a huge step forward for the world.
If you've been sexually harassed or assaulted write 'me too' as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
3. JK Rowling calls Donald Trump out on Twitter
How can it not be a refreshing moment when one of our childhood (and adulthood) heroes calls the man that (for various reasons) the world has had just about enough of, out on Twitter. Yes, it was a moment of truth for the world when JK Rowling unabashedly and bravely, some would say, called Donald Trump out for one of his many mindless tweets. Even the most "powerful man" on the planet can't keep Rowling from voicing her opinion.
"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!" tweeted Trump.
"It's called 'leadership', Donald. The terrorists were dead 8 minutes after police got the call. If we need an alarmist blowhard, we'll call." replied Rowling in a fitting reply.
It's called 'leadership', Donald. The terrorists were dead 8 minutes after police got the call. If we need an alarmist blowhard, we'll call. https://t.co/NUiy9j4fBt
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 4, 2017
4. Yeonmi Park's escape story from North Korea
The cruelties meted out to the people of North Korea is only something people had heard in passing or thanks to an article here and there. Talks around North Korea mostly take place in the context of it being a threat to the United States or around its development of nuclear technology. What a lot of people didn't know was the abuse and lack of human rights the people live and grow up with. Yeonmi Park, a defector from North Korea, shared her story and opened the world's eyes. She was afraid, but she spoke, teaching us all an important lesson not just through her story, but her actions.
5. Terry Crews talking about sexual abuse
Terry Crews spoke out earlier this year about being a victim of sexual assault. He came out and accused Adam Venit, a big shot Hollywood agent of sexually assaulting him at a party. With movements like #Metoo and the Harry Weinstein fiasco taking over the world and bringing women together to talk about their experiences, seeing a 6-feet something man talk about his own experience against another powerful man reinforced the fact that this is not only a women's issue. "'Men Need to Hold Other Men Accountable' - Crews speaks to our hearts.
6. A Hyderabad based politician started a social media campaign called #PracticeWhatYouPreach
Amjed Ullah Khan from Majlis Bachao Tehreek started a Twitter campaign shaming traffic police officers who flouted rules that they enforced on others, in Hyderabad. Khan began posting photos and videos of police officers across the city riding bikes without helmets, talking on mobile phones while riding or riding with more people than they should be. Not only that, but Khan makes also made sure to tag several head honchos within the police department to bring the issue to their attention.
This campaign was started in response to the heavy fines that were being handed out to the people of Hyderabad arbitrarily and which they claimed were for very minor infractions.
@TelanganaDGP One SI spotted without Helmet at Pahadi Shareef to Shamshabad Road on 5th Aug at 3:00 PM...Who will count his points.@KTRTRS pic.twitter.com/soOVXM3e5R
— Amjed Ullah Khan MBT (@amjedmbt) August 5, 2017
What was surprising was that this movement was started by a politician. Don't see that happen too often, do we? A politician in India standing up for the aam aadmi and actually following through. More power to Khan we'd say.
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