Cassie Writes. annotated tangents from the RMIT Bachelor of Communication (Media)

the power of social networks.

Now, this post has mainly got to do with the assignment I have for "Broadcast Media", although it shows how knowledge and capability in social networks can allow media practitioners to connect to more people, and do more with less effort, than ever before.

Zach McSweeney and myself are working together on an 8 minute audio documentary suitable for ABC 360documentaries, to the theme of "community". We decided to focus on the struggle of queer teens in relating to society, and their urge to join communities in which they are accepted. However, when thinking about this, we realised that the concept of homosexual marriage was currently dividing our society, with "equal rights" rallies held every month, and everyday Australians being pushed to take a side and form an opinion on this issue.

We were curious to see how young people in Melbourne were really affected by the issue, or whether it was affecting them at all. As a Catholic, as well as a friend of many in the queer community, I had quite a range of people listed as my friends on facebook, so I invited them all to an event asking for their participation in our project.

So far, an amazing number of people have responded, eager to be given a platform to have their say. I think this only goes to show that even though people can write "anything they want" on Facebook, they are still eager for discussion to be stimulated, and to be given a platform where they know their ideas will be respected and listened to. Already, people are discussing their views on the 'wall' of the event, which is prompting discussion that wouldn't really be 'randomly' had on people's statuses. This is not just the ramblings of 'crazed' right wing or left wing idealists - it's the view of everyday young Australians, trying to make sense of the world around them.

Check out the event here.