Social media elevates Trayvon Martin case to national scene

Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman on February 26, 2012. Martin, a 17 year old African American was being followed by the 28 year old Zimmerman as he was part of the neighborhood watch in his neighborhood. After the shooting, Zimmerman claimed self defense and has not been charged with a crime. This has caused for a public outcry and is now a national story.The situation has caused some to believe racial discrimination is playing a part in this story. Sheri Parks, who specializes in American culture and aesthetics with a special focus on family, gender and race. She answers some questions about technology and social medias role in the Trayvon Martin story.

Trayvon Martin story goes viral

The Trayvon Martin story went from a local story in a small town in Florida to a national story very quickly. Professor Parks explains how social media was responsible for this and just how quickly it happened.

Twitter and Facebook aided the exposure of Trayvon Martin Case

Everyone skips over many things on Facebook and Twitter and don't really think about them twice. Professor Park explains how when friends re-tweet and Facebook things to you, they gain credibility and spread quicker. Many people took to social media in attempts to get their thoughts and support out for Trayvon Martin. This boosted the exposure and made it the national news story it is now.

Trayvon Martin case has exhibited both new and old social activism

The Trayvon Martin case showed the new social activism techniques including Facebook groups and events as well as Twitter chains and also included some old techniques, like the hoodie rally and protests.

The protests and rallies related to the Trayvon Martin story were in hopes of justice for Trayvon which would come in the form of a conviction of a crime for George Zimmerman. As of April 12th, Zimmerman has been charged with murder and will appear in court and seek bail. This will certainly be national news and all over the headlines. Without social media elevating to the story to a national scene, this may have just been another crime that did not make the national news.