20 years ago on June 4th 1989, a man known as the 'Tank Man' was a symbol of what was supposed to be a peaceful democratic protest in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
The Tank Man's identity has never been confirmed, and his heroic actions are still being censored in China.
Fan sites are popping up everywhere for the Tank Man, including pages on social media sites such as Facebook.
Implications - In history and modern times, protests and riots are events that generate widespread media coverage and public buzz. Political oppression is something that still goes on today, and the rise of media sharing and the Internet has increased public interest and involvement dramatically on an international level. This is attributable to the ease with which the public can follow these events through live video coverage, photography, news media coverage and many other mediums or portraying information across international boarders.
Mysterious Male Protesters
Anniversary of the 'Tank Man' in Tiananmen Square
Trend Themes
1. Increased Public Interest in Political Protests - The rise of media sharing and the Internet has increased public interest and involvement in protests and riots on an international level, presenting opportunities for digital platforms to connect and engage with a global audience.
2. Growing Use of Social Media in Activism - The proliferation of fan sites and social media pages dedicated to the 'Tank Man' demonstrates the power of social media in spreading awareness and creating online communities around political activism, suggesting opportunities for organizations to leverage these platforms for social change.
3. Global Impact of Online Media Coverage - The ease of access to live video coverage, photography, and news media through the internet allows for events like the 'Tank Man' protest to have a significant global impact, presenting opportunities for media organizations to provide real-time coverage and analysis to a worldwide audience.
Industry Implications
1. Digital Media Platforms - Digital platforms can capitalize on the increased public interest in political protests to create engaging and informative online experiences for users, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
2. Social Media Marketing - Organizations can leverage the growing use of social media in activism to raise awareness about important causes, engage with audiences, and drive social change.
3. News Media - News media organizations can capitalize on the global impact of online media coverage to provide real-time reporting, analysis, and perspectives on political protests, reaching a diverse international audience.