Social media is a very, very powerful tool. Never underestimate it.
Credit: NY Daily News
Since we're still working our way into 2015, we thought we might share the most noteworthy (or viral, as everyone calls it) hashtags that has made a deep impact in countries from around the world. Needless to say, these phrases will be etched in our minds in the years to come.
#IllRideWithYou
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The hostage crisis in Sydney brought on painful repercussions to innocent Muslims. Many Muslims became afraid of riding on public transport ever since the Islamphobic fallout after the 9/11 attacks. #IllRideWithYou, which eventually trended worldwide, was a caring touch that allows unimpeachable Muslims to take comfort in knowing that they have our support.
#BringBackOurGirls
Credit: Mashable
On April 2014, 276 girls were kidnapped in Nigeria. After hearing the devastating news, almost everyone went on to their social media accounts to spread the word about the kidnapping. (Yes, including First Lady Michelle Obama.) The girls are in our thoughts, and this proves that we’re all in this together.
#UnitedForUkraine
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There is no way you haven’t heard about this. The Ukrainians are struggling for freedom and democracy. It’s been a long-term battle and they’re doing everything they can to get the message out there. Even non-Ukrainians have jumped on the bandwagon to lend a helping hand.
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. On the morning of 16 April 2014, the MV Sewol capsized, killing over three hundred passengers. Most of them were teenagers. It was one of the world’s worst disasters; the incident was unthinkable and truly heartbreaking. #BowsforSewol was started to give hope to the families who have lost their loved ones. The titular organisation is operated by volunteers ranging from parents, artists and business owners.
#BowsForSewol
Credit: Sea News
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. On the morning of 16 April 2014, the MV Sewol capsized, killing over three hundred passengers. Most of them were teenagers. It was one of the world’s worst disasters; the incident was unthinkable and truly heartbreaking. #BowsforSewol was started to give hope to the families who have lost their loved ones. The titular organisation is operated by volunteers ranging from parents, artists and business owners.
#IndyReg
Credit: Mirror
Many non-Scots from around the world showed their sentiment for Scotland’s independence from the United Kingdom. If you think only Scotland is invested in the Scottish independence referendum, think again.
#YesAllWomen
Credit: Mashable
#YesAllWomen is a social media campaign that allows women to share their personal views on violence and harassment. Launched in response to #NotAllMen, #YesAllWomen aims to raise awareness of sexism that all women go through in their daily lives. This campaign has the seal of approval from feminists.
#WhyIStayed
Credit: Huffington Post
Never judge what you don’t understand. There’s more to a person than meets the eye. After a frightening video of football player Ray Rice assaulting his wife Janay Rice, it sparked off #WhyIStayed. The worldwide hashtag trend gave victims of domestic violence a voice to explain their story and why they were unable to leave.
#WhyILeft
Credit: E! Online
While some women stayed, others left. Another tear-jerking confession series, #WhyILeft gave abused women the opportunity to speak out about their domestic violence experiences that scarred them for life. If you need some recap, head over to this link to read all about it.
Read more at Vulcan Post.