Girl Rising is a prime example
of Castells analysis that networked social movements are an emerging pattern.
Although it’s not focused on politics or change in government, it follows much
of the same outline. The film follows nine girls across the globe that face
varying injustices, but the proposed solution is the same: education.
I struggled with the documentary because it
feels more like an advertisement. This makes it a bit different from typical
social movements because many are mobilized over the Internet by sharing
injustice through social media. It is important to note that this movement has
been mobilized by motivated individuals organizing showings of the film. The
requirements are to find a willing theater and enough participants to support a
film viewing. The primary motivation seems to be money because of this, not
just awareness… because once aware, the only suggested solution is donations to
the group that made the film.
"Movements are local and global at the same
time." Castells describes how there are things going on within a community
connecting to the internet, but it's also global "because they are
connected throughout the world, they learn from other experiences, and in fact
they are often inspired by these experiences to engage in their own
mobilization." (Castells, p. 223) Girl
Rising fits because the local movement is those organized theater groups.
It is inherently global because education for women is an issue affecting the
whole world as portrayed by the various women in the film.
"In terms of genesis, these movements are
largely spontaneous in their origin, usually triggered by a spark of
indignation either related to a specific event or to a peak of disgust with the
actions of the rulers." (Castells, p. 224) The movie does not present hope
with the stories. It “creates a council of despair” (Simon and Giroux, p. 24)
by only presenting problems—women who are raped, impoverished, destined for
servitude, or arranged to be married before they’re even teenagers. There are
few triumphs for the women in this film, and the depressing facts dispersed
between stories seem to manipulate emotional outcome. It only presents hope through
donating to pay for their education. While the intentions are noble, and
fundraising is necessary for non-profit organizations, and the education of
women like those shown in the film; I feel a more sincere approach would have
been possible.
"There is a much deeper connection between
social movements and political reform that could activate social change: it
takes place in the minds of the people. The actual goal of these movements is
to raise awareness among citizens at large, to empower them through their
participation in the movement and in a wide deliberation about their lives and
their country, and to trust their ability to make their own decisions in
relation to the political class." (Castells, p. 236) I have seen this
social change take place in my roommate. She latched on to this documentary and
has since voiced her support of the film, and even bought a pendant from the
website, which proceeds' also go to education for women. It worked for her, but
it didn't quite work for me. I believe in more of a policy approach. It is
listed as an option in things one can do to “join the movement,” but it doesn’t
do more to inform which policy makers to contact or real solutions that can be
done to change government. There is awareness and empowerment through
participation, but there’s a lack in relating it back to the political class,
and decisions we can make to make a difference.
I think the biggest things it has going against
itself and the ideal of a social movement is that it’s somewhat inaccessible. One
must wait to have enough people to organize a screening or wait until someone
else has organized one. It’s a creative method, but it goes back to a financial
motivation. If they were really motivated by awareness, a method like the one
used for Kony 2012 would be more
effective. Because of the aesthetic nature, I think it will appeal to more
people, but it has to reach more people in order for something to start
happening.
Sources:
Castells, Manuel, "Changing the World in the Network Society."
Simon and Giroux. "Schooling, Popular Culture, and a Pedagogy of Possibility."
Girl Rising. Directed by Richard Robbins. 2013.
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