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[–]writerlylesbian 13 insightful - 1 fun13 insightful - 0 fun14 insightful - 1 fun -  (4 children)

I think one good thing that happens in this space is that when we disagree, we are generally disagreeing with IDEAS, not making it personal. We actually construct logical argument to support our position. The problem with the whole Instagram/TikTok culture of making yourself your own personal brand is that then, when someone disagrees with you, they are attacking YOU in a way. If you have turned yourself into a marketable commodity, then you have to protect your brand integrity. That means you can't question, you can't say things that will harm your 'brand' and the people who are following you as a brand. You can't let others question you either, or call your integrity into question. Because then all your followers won't like you any more, and you won't be profitable anymore.

A lot of this is actually the result of bastardising political activism and identities and turning them into capitalist commodities that can be bought and sold. Turns out that's a fucking atrocious idea. Who knew?

[–]Innisfree[S] 7 insightful - 1 fun7 insightful - 0 fun8 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Beautifully summarised.

you can't say things that will harm your 'brand' and the people who are following you as a brand. You can't let others question you either, or call your integrity into question.

For those interested to hear more about the delicate balancing act of maintaining a brand on social media while still questioning and discussing complex issues, I found this interview quite insightful: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TuAd_IAkOl4

bastardising political activism and identities and turning them into capitalist commodities.

Frankly this is my biggest issue with what is going on. Perhaps for another thread/time.

[–]writerlylesbian 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Yes, capitalism co-opting movements (many of which were anti-capitalist or at least critical of capitalism to begin with) is a huge topic all on its own.

[–]reluctant_commenter 6 insightful - 1 fun6 insightful - 0 fun7 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

If you have turned yourself into a marketable commodity, then you have to protect your brand integrity. That means you can't question, you can't say things that will harm your 'brand' and the people who are following you as a brand.

You absolutely nailed it. Speaking as someone in the younger demographic, I have heard so many times people saying "Oh, that's on brand" or "that's my brand" even in casual conversation, among my 18-22 y/o peers. I know that this is true for influencers or people who actively make money off their "brand"-- but this language is so pervasive even socially.

A lot of this is actually the result of bastardising political activism and identities and turning them into capitalist commodities that can be bought and sold. Turns out that's a fucking atrocious idea. Who knew?

Completely agree. I used to think everyone my age was very political, but whenever I talked with them they did not seem to care. It really confused me for a while haha.

when we disagree, we are generally disagreeing with IDEAS, not making it personal.

This has been my experience here so far, and I really appreciate it. While I sometimes read comments that bewilder me, whenever I have engaged with people here they explain their position and try to get across what they meant, without telling me that I do not belong here (which is always a threat when bringing up LGBT topics with people my age, always).

[–]writerlylesbian 4 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 0 fun5 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

You absolutely nailed it. Speaking as someone in the younger demographic, I have heard so many times people saying "Oh, that's on brand" or "that's my brand" even in casual conversation, among my 18-22 y/o peers. I know that this is true for influencers or people who actively make money off their "brand"-- but this language is so pervasive even socially.

This is so much of what is wrong with contemporary life, imo