Slang dictionary
Black Twitter
摆产濒补办听twit-er]
What does Black Twitter mean?
Black Twitter is a word to describe the collective identity of black users on Twitter. In a sense, Black Twitter is a digital community that allows people to connect and bond over what it means to be black. This includes both the lighthearted and grim aspects. The focus tends to be reflective of African Americans鈥� experience, though not exclusively.
Where does Black Twitter come from?
Black Twitter has existed in the sense of referring to a black community on Twitter since at least 2008. It existed somewhat quietly until about 2010, when people began to report on it. By March 2013, it became a bigger topic of discussion, and more people became aware of its existence. Since then, it has remained an important space on social media.
Perhaps a defining moment for Black Twitter was the controversy surrounding Trayvon Martin鈥檚 death in February 2012 and George Zimmerman鈥檚 subsequent acquittal in July 2013. Understandably, Black Twitter was indignant, and played a fundamental role in spreading the hashtag #blacklivesmatter, which evolved into a full-blown political movement in the following years.
Examples of Black Twitter
Who uses Black Twitter?
Black Twitter is a term used by both Black Twitter鈥檚 participants as well as by everyone else. It鈥檚 often used when discussing Black Twitter鈥檚 far-reaching influence and presence.
People often mention how multi-purpose Black Twitter seems to be. The community offers a supportive culture where members can discuss topics such as institutionalized racism, problematic people, racist messaging, as well as lighter topics like pop culture, movies, and memes. Perhaps most importantly, it offers immersion in a black community where one鈥檚 concerns or perspectives are validated.
Black Twitter is all about community engagement. This usually involves small actions such as retweeting to indicate interest in a conversation or responding to others鈥� tweets. It鈥檚 validating to not be alone in one鈥檚 concerns or experiences. There鈥檚 also a lot of diversity in interests and topics covered, which is important to note, as Black Twitter is a reflection of the community that forms it.
Black Twitter is especially known for its role in the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as other hashtags, such as #icantbreathe, #sayhername, #bringbackourgirls, and #blackgirlmagic. Black Lives Matter is one of the more well-known causes that Black Twitter champions, and it鈥檚 certainly been a powerful vehicle on the path to exacting racial equality.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of Black Twitter like most terms we define on 亚洲网紅露点, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Black Twitter that will help our users expand their word mastery.