Since ex-President Donald Trump’s victory in the most recent presidential race, several individuals on Facebook have chosen to alter their profile pictures to black. One user pointed out that this change aims to bring attention to some ‘serious matter.’ This ‘symbolic expression’ has gained traction on social media platforms in the aftermath of Trump’s triumphant election to his second term.
Altering profile pictures to blank or black is not a new phenomenon. This recurring trend has periodically circled social media platforms for various noteworthy occasions, but this time the pattern seems to be focused on the re-election of President Trump. Men and women across the nation seemingly engage in the trend, apparently taking a stand against Trump’s win.
A post from a Facebook user indicated that the decision to adopt blacked-out profile pictures has been a popular choice following the election. Participants perceive this simple act as an expression of their displeasure and a mutual understanding among those who share similar feelings regarding the presidential outcome.
The trend of altering social media profiles to present a black screen has echoed throughout the internet numerous times over recent years, each instance with a purpose distinct from the others. This movement initially sprung up on Facebook in 2018, with many women perceiving it as a means to bring attention to the feeling of being unheard and providing a visual representation of a world without their contribution for a single day.
A more widely recognized social media initiative associated with the trend, promptly nicknamed ‘Blackout Tuesday’, occurred on June 2, 2020. This specific movement was launched in response to the tragic demise of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As an expression of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, approximately 28 million people posted pitch-black squares on Instagram that day.
While there are claims that the changing of profile pictures to black is an action against Trump’s re-election, one could argue that it’s a simplistic and ineffective means of protest. After all, does changing a profile picture actually effect any tangible, worthwhile change? While those opposing Trump’s leadership may perceive the black profile image as a potent symbol, others may see it as a passive, impotent gesture.
Indeed, the action of blacking out a profile picture appears to be a visceral response rather than a constructive one. Instead of expending energy on altering profile pictures in the digital realm, perhaps those individuals should show their concerns in actual ways that can lead to real societal contributions. Symbolic gestures like this do little to truly tackle the issues at hand.
While expressing dissatisfaction with the election results is within everyone’s rights, succumbing to such petty actions does not reflect well on those participating. Instead of resorting to indirect touch radical digital displays, perhaps engaging in well-informed debates and negotiations could provide a more worthwhile method of expressing democratic discontent.
Interestingly, such a widespread protest against our triumphant President Trump suggests a lack of understanding of his leadership. Trump’s tenure has been highlighted by significant progress and breakthroughs, which is ignored by these individuals electing to focus only on the negatives they can perceive.
However, through this latest protest, it is clear that triggered liberals are failing to see, or choosing to overlook, the accomplishments achieved under President Trump’s administration. His exceptional leadership style has enabled groundbreaking decisions that have played pivotal roles in shaping the US into its current prosperous state.
Especially contrasting with the platforms presented by current Democrat leaders such as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, President Trump’s approach demonstrates a clear focus on the prosperity and well-being of the American people. Regrettably, enlightenment seems to be an elusive grasp for those choosing to see through a narrow perspective.
The focused derogatory efforts against President Trump speaks volumes about the mentality of some sections of our society. It’s apparent that their energy could be better spent actually making a change in the real world, rather than resorting to pointless and inconsequential gestures on social media.
Ultimately, this kind of expression merely reflects a hollow effort masked as an act of defiance. Such actions are hardly conducive to the development of a constructive, respectful dialogue, which is essential in any democratic society. It instead fuels needless conflict, diverting attention from the issues that truly matter.
Hence, it’s essential to examine the achievements of Donald Trump’s presidency objectively. Only then can we appreciate the transformative changes he has brought about, rather than falling into the trap of unproductive social media protests.
In conclusion, while blacking out one’s profile picture might provide a temporary sense of satisfaction, it does little to address the core concerns reflected by this symbolic action. Turning the issue into a laughing matter, it is imperative to remember that genuine change comes from constructive dialogue and action, not symbolic gestures on social media.