Parrhesia: Are social media activists parrhesiastes?
“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits for humanity as a whole.” -Malcolm X
Social media has become a new platform for activists to let their voices be heard. Especially since the inauguration of 45 many have voiced that they will not allow his term to be one of normalization. With our modern day era it seems almost impossible to get the word out about a cause without using social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Many speak very passionately about their causes which brings me to question if social media activists are a new kind of parrhesiastes?
What is parrhesia?
Parrhesia put simply is free speech and those that speak freely are called parrhesiastes. Although, it may sound like a simple enough title there are certain characteristics that must be taken into account in order to actually be classified as someone who practices parrhesia. I will look at 8 factors and explain why activists using social platforms are the new kind of parrhesiastes.
1. Direct and clear language
Parrhesia consists of one not using figurative language in their speech, but speaking directly and to the point. The meaning behind your words should not be hidden and should directly reveal one’s own thoughts. Basically, one shouldn’t beat around the bush and get straight to the point. Their message must be able to resonate with the masses and not just a specialized group.
Social media limits how much one can write about a topic. Twitter for example has a 400 character limit, Instagram has a 2,200 character limit and Facebook has a 63,206 character limit. If someone wants to get their story heard they must be able to do so within a set amount of spaces. This then helps social media activists get the core of what they are trying to say and avoid any confusion.
2. Courage
Parrhesistes must be able to risk their lives for what they are speaking about. The person reveals their identity to the world and has to be willing to face any consequences that may come from their actions. Thus, the person who speaks freely must do so with a lot of courage.
Some may argue that social media activists can hide behind fake personas and cannot be considered as a parrhesiastes, but that fails to acknowledge those who use their real identities. If we look at those who reveal their true selves then they risk just as much as those who practice parrhesia in real world situations. Most of our information is on the internet and social media activists risk the chance of phishing attacks which can let all their sensitive information to be taken.
3. Moral Quality
Parrhesiastes must be able to recognize the truth, and as a result, it will let them speak this truth to others. Being able to recognize the truth is seen as a moral quality. This topic alone sparks debate because different people hold different beliefs about topics. In turn, creating contradictions about truths. For one to speak the truth it is because they have evaluated the topic and truly holds their belief to be right.
Social media allows one to link sources from where their information came from. This gives activists backing for any information they reveal. Once it’s on the internet it’s hard to get rid of. This fact helps activists ensure that what they want to reveal they believe wholeheartedly.
4. Personal true opinions
In parrhesia the truth spoken by parrhesiastes must be a belief they hold to be true. The speaker cannot merely be the voice for the masses, and they must have a personal affiliation with their truth.
Social media allows someone to voice what they want. They are allowed to construct what they want the internet to see them as. Activists on social media post their stories about how close the topic is for them. Social media gives one the freedom to post what they want and consider truthful.
5. Criticism
Parrhesia involves one not only revealing the truth, but also about criticizing someone.
Social media is a very active platform on criticism. Sometimes it’s uncalled for, but when social media activists use it they direct their voice to a source. On Twitter for example, people can @ a group or individual they want to get to see their post. This allows an activist to not only let their follows see their post, but also the person they are trying to denounce. Other sites allow similar forms of tagging allowing the criticisms to be heard.
6. Position of Inferiority
Parrhesiastes cannot be of a majority group. They must come from a position of inferiority.
Social media allows minorities to get their voices out. Those who normally wouldn’t get the chance to speak at an organized protest can get their voices heard by using a common hashtag for example. The power is given to those who never had it before instead of those who already have a lead.
7. Duty
Parrhesiastes have to feel compelled enough in order to speak the truth. The truths one speaks cannot be done out of force, but must be done voluntarily.
Most of what people post on social media are things that they generally enjoy or have a strong inclination towards. Social media activists decide to post what they want because they find it in their best interest to do so.
8. Public Space
The last quality of parrhesia is that it must be done in the public space. You cannot simply talk privately because your voice won’t be heard to fellow citizens if you don’t go out to a communal area.
Public space is defined as being an area accessible to a majority of people of every level. Social media is open for all who have access and is capable of being called a public space.
I hold it to be true that the quote I put from Malcolm X is applicable to social media activists. The goal for every activist is to better their society in order to help humanity. Those who use social media are just a new group of protesters in order to publicize truthful information not alternative facts.
