James Franco won't be making his scheduled commencement speech at UCLA this year, and many in Westwood think that his sudden withdrawal from the graduation ceremony is directly due to a Facebook protest that went viral.
A Facebook group called 'UCLA Students Against James Franco as Commencement Speaker' formed upon the news that the actor would be speaking at graduation. It quickly grew to over 600 members and received national attention.
UCLA undergrads' biggest beef with Franco is that he was, well, just too young. James Franco graduated from UCLA just last year with a degree in Creative Writing, so to many, Franco was viewed as a peer rather than an esteemed adult with the perspective that age and life experience bring to the table.
We've seen Twitter resurrect canceled TV shows. Will Facebook be the next effective platform for protest?
Successful Social Media Protests
Did James Franco Cancel UCLA Commencement Speech Due to Facebook?
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Protests - Facebook protests can lead to changes in keynote speakers and events.
2. Viral Petitions - The internet can drive rapid growth in the recognition and spread of protests.
3. People Power - Online protests can unite individuals and provide a platform to raise concerns.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Social media can disrupt the traditional approach to graduation ceremonies, including the selection of keynote speakers.
2. Entertainment - Celebrities must consider public opinion when accepting speaking invitations due to the potential for online backlash.
3. Technology - Social media campaigns can harness the power of the internet to drive change and push for social justice.