Black Lives as Snuff: The Silent Complicity in Viewing Black Death

Abstract

The aim of this photo essay, through simulated director cues, is to question viewers’ intent in the consumption of videos that make a spectacle of the vio- lence perpetrated on Black bodies. In the vein of the underlying principle of Black Lives Matter, does a Black life really matter for those of us who pro- claim it? The ubiquity of social media has fostered an ever-increasing, medi- ated culture and mode of communication on the injustice of racialized vio- lence. What are the politics of the gaze at play in this culture of viewing Black death? With the proliferation of videos that are taken from a scene, posted, and shared, have we truly become more engaged citizens, staunch activists, and effective community organizers? Or have we sat back, copied and pasted a link, and made a statement of our dismay in the spirit of social change online while offline nothing changes at all? We proceed with our weekend plans, go to work, do household chores, and continue our random daily activities.