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Description

In this research inquiry Greenidge uses Claudia Rankine’s work and a reading of the Rodney King video to question and argue against the sharing of viral videos (such as that of George Floyd or Eric Garner) that depict suffering, brutality, and the murder of Black people. Greenidge’s claim is that while some may share these images in the hopes of supporting movements, such as Black Lives Matter, or creating justice through awareness, the actual sharing of these videos creates desensitization and normalizes acts of violence toward Black victims. Instead of focusing on Black suffering, Greenidge calls for media and the public to focus more on countering white supremacy and the perpetrators of these violent acts.

Publication Date

2021

Document Type

Article

Keywords

normalizing violence, viral video, Black Lives Matter, Rhet Dragons, research inquiry

Disciplines

Communication | Education | Rhetoric and Composition

Sanctioned Violence (2021-2022)

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