Misuing Hashtags and Overtaking Spaces
Hastags are widely used within fandom spaces to attract new followers, likes and gain further interactions.
However, sometimes using hastags can have a negative effect and take over spaces meant to love characters of color.
For example, Gwen Pendragon isn't as widely loved or appreciated as character such as Merlin, Morgana or Arthur (despite the fact she is one of the main four). I also don't think I need to explain the amount of hate and racism she receives.
These facts mean that Gwen does not often get appreciation posts (or general posts about her) and so her hashtag can be overtaken by unrelated content.
By having certain hashtags overtaken by unrelated posts can make for those who do wish to enjoy and appreciate characters of colour, even harder than it already is.
There is also an option to follow hashtag which further means those who follow and wish to see Gwen content, do not.
Quite often hashtags such as Gwen tags are filled with hate for Gwen and/or racist posts. It is pretty easy to find posts with #Gwenpendragon or #Gwenpendragonedit (for example) which are posts or edits made to hate and put her down.
It is unnecessary and only serves to cause harm and upset to fans of colour. Often we try to curate our spaces and keep away from racist content.
So when you follow the hashtag of a Black characters, only to be met with having racist posts on your feed, it is exhausting.
These small steps such as avoiding using hashtags for Black characters on unrelated posts helps to create a safer space for BIPOC.
Do you use unnecessary tags and take over spaces created for Black characters? If so, ensure to avoid doing so in the future. It's easy and helps create fandom into being a much nicer place.
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