The Power of a Hashtag
The hashtag, formerly known as the pound sign, is becoming a staple for cultural and social movements.
Time to Read: 2 min
If you're a frequent user of Instagram, hashtags can be annoying and an eye sore. Instagrammers go to great measures to hide their long list of tags that allow others all over the world to view their photo. However, hashtags are a great way to promote and expose a brand.
The hashtag, formerly known as the pound sign, is becoming a staple for cultural and social movements. Comedians and teenagers typically use it out of context for lingo and comedic purposes. Recently, people around the world have been using certain phrases to enlighten others about misconceptions and injustices in an effort to encourage social awareness and acceptance.
Shea Moisture has started a new beauty campaign, #BreakTheWalls, highlighting the struggles of being a Black woman. The video for the campaign depicts the questions and concerns that most Black women and children face when they are presented with the task of shopping for hair, skin, and beauty products. For years, women of color have been alienated and forced to shop out of separate aisles (reminiscent of segregated water fountains and bathrooms). Shopping centers with isles marked "Beauty" tend to carry products for European customers. With this advertisement and hashtag, Shea Moisture continues to fight for the right of women and children of color to finally shop in the "Beauty" aisle, because they are beautiful too.
People all over the world can use hashtags to promote, clarify, and show support for a topic. The one-year-old hashtag, #TheAfricaTheMediaDoesntShowYou, has been getting waves of attention in recent weeks. Residents all over Africa are using the tag to reveal misconceptions about their entire homeland and people. Tagged pictures show the beauty and accomplishments of Africa, depictions that are far different from the hunger and poverty Western media usually report on.
Africa is a thriving nation full of amazing fashion, architecture, scenery, schools, and people. Although geographically separated from other countries and cultures, the hashtag has allowed people to share their truths. It may seem minute in the scheme of things, but the pound sign has a whole new meaning now. Use it to have an open and honest discussion about world issues, or continue to tell everyone about how much you love #donuts. Most of all: be motivated to use a hashtag to tell your story, show pride, grow your business, or support a cause.
If you could start your own hashtag-inspired movement, what would it be?
