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Emojis. Every student my age knows and used them on an everday basis while sending and typing text messages to family and friends. Over the years, smart phone providers like Apple introduced emojis of almost every skin colour / race to achieve a representation of all ethnicities.
As I found out through the various articles containing discussions about whether a diversified emoji-pool is a positive or a racism increasing invention, I tried to set up my own thoughts. For me, personally, representation, respect and celebrating diversity is a topic and an attribute that I want to include in my everyday life as much as possible. Especially nowaydays, with nationalism induced parties becoming more popular in Germany’s political life, I aim to set an example of tolerating and embracing every race, gender or life style. In my opinion, we are all valid and deserve to be accepted, respected and appreciated the way we are.
To be honest, I see Apple’s idea of publishing diversified emojis as a nice gesture and move of celebrating diversity and ending traditional stigmas of “normal” families, gender induced professions, etc. As an example: For me, there is no homosexual or heterosexual family – a family is a social construct of people who love and care about each other, no matter what their race, gender or constellation is. Thus, I see the emoji launch as a appreciating move of Apple to set an example of acceptance. I assume that moves and words do not hurt a person, only the perception and understanding of those do hurt yourself. Therefore, I would advise people to not overanalyse Apple’s emoji campaign and just accept it as it is.
Another representation option, which is more customised than a general emoji, is a so-called Bitmoji. After installing Snapchat, I also created a Bitmoji of myself, which I use from time to time to visualise and “upgrade” my messages to my friends. Of course, Bitmojis can be a more personal options and alternative instead of emojis. The whole Bitmoji picture can also contribute the message in many individual ways. Nevertheless, in my opinion, both ways – emojis and Bitmojis – can be used for such tasks.
Alltogehter, I suppose it is more important to set a good example in everyday’s life and celebrate diversity, spread thoughts and ideas of equality, tolerance and acceptance instead of overthinking movements like Apple’s emoji launch. Thus, we can all contribute something to become a better human being every day and make this world a happier and more accepting place – especially in times of uncertainty.
With that being said, stay in touch with The Digital Cosmos & I to learn more about my exploration of 23 Things. Until then!
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