The Parley at Queensland Ballet
The aim of the Parley is not to persuade anyone towards a particular stance in the debate, but rather to encourage an appreciation for a perspective that is different to our own. The more opportunities we have to observe and participate in complex conversations with an open and curious mindset, the more we can cultivate understanding and/or empathy for those who hold viewpoints which may challenge our own. Our first Parley topic debated whether a “woke” internet is a better internet. Moderating the debate was William Smith-Stubbs, co-founder of spur:org.
From left to right: Alyson Joyce, Nataya Branjerdporn, Dr Ariadna Matamoros-Fernández, William Smith-Stubbs, Michelle Mashuro, Ashwin Segkar and Damon Klotz.
Woke culture and the internet
The term “woke” was first associated with Black American civil rights activists in the 1940s. In recent years, it has resurfaced to symbolise awareness and activism towards political and social injustices, and the promotion of equal rights and better protection for discriminated and oppressed groups. However, the proliferation of woke culture through the internet and social media raises new considerations. More than ever, we can align with social causes, identities, and values within digital spaces. But this also means that more than ever, we can find ways to separate ourselves from others. We can take on many identities, which therefore can create greater separations between “us” and “them”.
So, is a woke internet a better internet? As with most complex topics, it’s usually not a simple yes or no answer. Instead, the conversations are nuanced and many factors need to be considered. By engaging in open and respectful dialogue, we hope to create online environments that are more inclusive and kind to all. Let’s recap what our debaters had to say!
Assigned to debate for the pro-team that a woke internet is a better internet was: Dr Ariadna Matamoros-Fernández, Nataya Branjerdporn, and Alyson Joyce.
Let’s hear from the Pro team
Dr Ariadna began by highlighting how the ‘woke era’ has brought needed attention to social issues and a stronger sense of social justice. Without awareness, creating change and solving problems is not possible. A woke culture promotes community and coalition building, bringing people together to work on a common cause for social change.
“We must be willing to be challenged, to listen and to learn” - Dr
Ariadna.
Nataya spoke about a woke internet having the “power to build and throw the doors of rooms... wide open”. The rooms of which only a select few have a seat at the table. We can be better neighbours when we hear the stories and experiences of people in our community. And, when we collectively speak up, meaningful reform can happen as seen by the #metoo, #yesforequality and #blacklivesmatter movements.
Alyson in her rebuttal addressed an argument from the con side that a woke internet skews the concentration of power. She noted that the concentration of power that’s existed in support of the marginalisation of communities have gone on for too long, and that a woke culture is vital in the protection of marginalised communities.
“Being woke is a choice, and it is the best choice... it’s time for a
woke up call” - Alyson.
Assigned to debate for the con team that a woke internet is not a better internet was: Michelle Mashuro, and Ashwin Segkar, and Damon Klotz.
The con team
The con team argued against a “woke culture” on the internet, emphasising the internet should be a place that enables curiosity over righteousness. Michelle questioned the idea of a concentration of power in defining language online. She asked the audience, “What does curiosity look like if there is a concentration of power on who gets to define the language that is spoken online?... if we are about curiosity, do we not want to keep spaces for people who are like-minded .. to meet?"
This also brought up topics such as censorship, freedom of speech, and the power to fight for what we believe in. Should the world wide web have that kind of power to police these things? A woke internet can create a divisive and exclusionary internet, and policing speech may not allow people a safe space to meet with like-minded others.
“Let’s have an internet that... lets everyone compete and whoever
has the best ideas, let those ideas thrive. If we don't do that the
biases in your tribe's ideology won't get questioned, they will just
become normalised” - Ashwin.
In the con teams concluding remarks, Damon emphasised that the internet should be a place for diverse learning and curiosity, rather than reinforcing narrow echo chambers. Damon left the audience with a question - "did you attend [the Parley]...to prove that you’re woke? Or, because you are curious and want to learn?”
Both debate teams provided valuable insights and thought-provoking arguments, emphasising the need for meaningful dialogue and the power of collective action in promoting social change online. The Parley doesn’t intend to steer the audience in any particular direction, but to present them with a perspective that they may not have considered before.
As the conversation around a "woke internet" continues to evolve, The Parley serves as a platform for engaging with these important issues and expanding our understanding of the digital landscape.
The Parley welcomes the general public to attend the upcoming event scheduled to take place on the 13th of July. Stay tuned!
