Where Are We Now? Black Creatives in a Digital Era

The digital era has influenced society in more ways than one. In the first article of my research, I discussed television and now, I’m going to talk about online and social media platforms.

[Photo from FastCompany.com. Photos: Beth Tate/Unsplash; NeONBRAND/Unsplash]

The significance of transitioning from television to social media is to highlight all platforms where Black creatives have expressed themselves. Thus, let’s begin this discussion with algorithms. 

Wahid (2023) states, “Algorithms are used to recommend content, shape production decisions, and tailor marketing strategies. These systems rely on vast amounts of data and machine learning models, often without sufficient checks for fairness or bias.” 

But, what does this really mean? 

In my perspective, it means that every like, comment, and/or repost that we compose helps build our own individual algorithms on each platform that is used. For example, if you’re looking to renovate your house and you start liking a bunch of videos or photos for decoration inspiration, then that’ll be all you see on your timeline. 

Photo from BSquared.media.

However, Wahid (2023) mentions, “The lack of representation in algorithmic content selection limits exposure to diverse narratives, which in turn affects societal attitudes. For example, by reinforcing stereotypes and reducing the visibility of stories from marginalized groups, algorithms shape public perception in ways that perpetuate discrimination and cultural ignorance,”  in terms of the cultural impact.

This can differ based on each individual. For example, Destiny Batiste, a corporate communications student at Penn State New Kensington, feels as though she sees a mix of everything whereas Nicole Vreen, an assistant coordinator and owner of VreenMachine, feels like she sees less representation.

“You almost have to force it,”  said Vreen.

If you want to see more representation of people who look like you, you have to support those who do look like you. As  I previously mentioned, our algorithms can based on what we like, repost, share and comment about on these digital platforms. However, there is just a lack of representation altogether. As Wahid (2023) discussed, “reduced innovation in storytelling, as underrepresented narratives are excluded from mainstream media.”

In response to this research, Batiste shared that although she sees plenty of entertainment and some fashion content, she wishes that could see more people that create revenue. Additionally, she’d prefer to see, “the people who are successful in real life and not in the media.”

Let’s ponder on this for a second. With emerging creators, some industry plants typically become creators to be trendy and/or even be the “fall guy” of pushing a certain narrative for an audience. Thus, it can make it seem as though ALL creatives behave the same way, making it difficult to tell who's passionate about working in media and who’s not.

In contrast to Batiste, Vreen has a different algorithm. She sees content related to sports and vlogging/ lifestyle but wants to see more hair and fashion content. So, what is necessary to push our content forward? 

One thing is that Black creatives have to continue to be relentless and consistent. Another way to push our content is by avoiding and ignoring the naysayers who try to pin us against each other. With all these platforms, including the ones we create, there’s room for everyone to succeed.

Additionally, like Naomi Ilochi previously shared, “Move with intentionality.” But, more specifically, we  have to move intentionally when it comes to lawfully educating ourselves. Thus, let’s discuss LegallyBlack (2022), an organization that brings awareness to bodies of law like intellectual property.

“Intellectual property (IP) is a body of law that allows for protection of creations of the mind. There are many forms of IP protection, but The most well-known are Trademark, Copyright, Patent, and trade secrets.” - LegallyBlack, 2022

In response to hearing this, Vreen vaguely remembered learning about it in college, especially since it was only brought up in prerequisite courses. So, how are Black creators and/or those working in media supposed to protect themselves if they’re not educated. To clarify, when I say educated, it is in reference to experience and knowledge. 

Imagine learning how to ride a bike without training wheels. In result,  you’ve had some bumps and bruises but eventually you got the hang of it. Now, Black creatives may relate to this because there are some who just “jump” into creating content and there are some who have always been passionate about chasing this dream. Regardless of your path, it may be necessary to brush up on these lawful terms discussed by LegallyBlack (2022) below: 

• A trademark identifies the source of your goods or services. A trademark can include any word, phrase, symbol, design or a combination of all of these.

• Copyright protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. In other words, once you create an original work and make it tangible you have a copyright in that work. Works can include musical compositions, sound recordings, books, poems, blog posts, paintings, photographs, illustrations, computer programs, movies, plays, and so much more.

• A patent gives an inventor the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling or importing the invention in the United States. There are three types of patents:

  
  

  Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture*, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement of one of the above

  
  

  Design patents: may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture

  
  

   Plant patents: may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plan

Lastly, there also trade secrets are intellectual property (IP) rights on confidential information which may be sold or licensed.

For most, creativity is the thing we hold sacred because when it is unleashed, it tells the world who we are. Thus, it is important to know how these laws can protect the stories we tell on all platforms in addition to our brands, companies, and slogans. 

To conclude, we must not only educate ourselves but others as well. So, feel free to educate another Black creative with something you’ve learned through your experience by leaving a comment.