Why are People Posting Colors to Facebook Statuses? Power of Social Media

January 8, 2010 · Filed Under Baum's Blog 

I generally consider myself pretty in the loop when it comes to what’s happening in the world of Facebook.  But I was a bit confused when I just logged in and saw a bunch of colorful Facebook status updates, like “purple,” “white,” “teal and its stunning,” “black and some stripes,” “chocolate brown,” “pinkish brown,” and “blue snakeskin.”  I have to admit, I was stumped.
So, I did what any self-respecting person would do – I asked Google.  Google didn’t fail me – and I hit a few sites that said that women are posting their bra colors to Facebook to raise awareness about breast cancer.  Apparently, all females on Facebook got an email about this – but I did not.  I would love to see the email if someone wants to forward it to me.

In any case, this is just one more illustration of the power of social media.  In the 5 minutes after I saw the colors posted, I discussed it with a few people online and offline.  But it’s not all about me.  It’s about the gazillions (that’s not a technical term or accurate) of people who have taken the time tonight to post their bra color – because they believe in a cause.  It has brought attention to the issue of breast cancer for a lot of people today, I imagine.

While I think it’s bizarre to post one’s bra color on Facebook, this is just another illustration of the power and the potential for social media.  A creative idea like posting one’s bra color to Facebook raises people’s awareness of breast cancer – just like countless other important campaigns capture people’s attention online.

Earlier this week I was struck by the friends of Susan Powell, the missing Utah mom, who initiated a social media blitz in order to help find Susan.  While their effort has not yet led to finding Susan, it is incredible to think that more than 35,000 people have already joined the Facebook group established for Susan Powell.  It can only help to have tens of thousands of people thinking about Susan and seeing her photos.

Social media is extraordinary.  I love the ways in which it has allowed us to build a vibrant progressive Jewish community online – uniting tens of thousands of people from 130 countries.  People who care about a contemporary and liberal Jewish voice.  People who want to use the tools of modernity to have Jewish experiences.  Thanks for being part of our community.  And we promise never to ask you what color bra you are wearing on Facebook!

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Comments

2 Responses to “Why are People Posting Colors to Facebook Statuses? Power of Social Media”

  1. Abbie S. Fink Says:
    January 8th, 2010 at 12:50 am

    I have been composing a similar post for my blog. Was hoping to find the origin but can’t seem to find it. Brilliant campaign and is a true testament to the power of social media.

  2. Fry Says:
    January 8th, 2010 at 1:05 am

    Rabbi Baum, I was wondering the same thing as I checked my facebook. But please remember that posting or clicking something on your facebook does nothing to truly help a group or organization other than to create name recognition. Not saying that you shouldn’t be impressed with the grassroots movement that happens inside facebook. I am disturbed by how people think that clicking a cause on facebook makes a difference. Love the online Jewish community and I’m not even Jewish. Love to learn and watch. Thanks Rabbi Baum

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