Instagram is a very impactful platform to be able to share ideas about fashion, travel, food, politics, and so much more, and the way these ideas are communicated can be very controversial. This occurs especially when it comes to traveling to a certain place and representing it in the best way possible. Social media influencers have become an outlet for inspiration, and through that have motivated travel companies to use their platform and following as ways to reach out to more people.
One account that I have been following for a while now, a fashion blogger named @tesschristine, not only posts about fashion, but she is also seen posing in many exotic, far away travel destinations. She has a very large audience, mostly younger girls who are inspired by fashion.
She has spoken about how her job allows her the ability to travel and reveal her experience with her audience. But when she does make posts highlighting these places, it’s normally a photo of her, in a classic, stereotypical scene based on the city or country she is in. In a series of photos from Hawaii, she is seen posing on top of a Jeep, and in another she is standing in front of the beach during a sunset, with a “wind blown” hair-do. And when traveling to places like Washington, she posts a photo of her shopping in Pike Place Market, and standing next to the gum wall, both of these things being expected, touristic places to visit. Her interpretation of these places play into the societal standards we have associated with them, and the things we absolutely have to do when we go there, not showing us the full spectrum, of experience.
Being a white, American, female could also be factor in what she decides to post, and how she decides to portray herself on Instagram. Her status would seem to attract many followers, especially international ones who want to see different parts of the US. But, I believe as an American influencer, she has the responsibility to represent all parts of her country equally. Social media tends to form a screen where honesty isn’t a primary influence in posts and comments.
To make the post of her traveling to Washington more sensitive and inclusive, she could post photos of herself interacting with vendors in the market, and speaking with them. I always see people post photos in front of the market, but never actually see the inside where all of the culture exists. She could also post photos that aren’t super touristic, and ones that showcase the everyday lives of the people living there, allowing for the diversity of a place to shine through. Being a fashion blogger, she could post a photo of herself in certain clothing in the first, and then in the other photos, have more scenic views of the place in order to highlight the clothing, but also the place she is traveling to.
In her post regarding Hawaii, she only showed herself on a Jeep and in front of the beach, her audience barely able to see the actual island itself. She could show herself trying something new, like trying a native food, going on a hike, participating in a cultural experience, or speaking to an islander. These posts influence anyone who is thinking of traveling to these places, and she should be showing the full experience of the island, and not just the idea that there are beaches and rentable jeeps. This plays into the ideas of Orientalism, as it construes the image of a place to be a certain way based off pre-made stereotypes. It could also be interesting to shoot a short video of doing something on the island, making it easier for the audience to connect with what she is doing.
An instagram that I have found that seems to be more inclusive regarding these destinations would be @ladyslider. She forms posts about the people of Hawaii, while also providing insight into the nature aspects, that tourists don’t advertise. She shares photos of other native Hawaiians, and describes their role in society. Her captions embody the idea that she is very raw, and real with her followers, and is very honest about what she decides to share.
These revised posts would be more inclusive as they aren’t based on the stereotypes that society has created. They are able to allow her to take other peoples experiences into account, and still do her job of showcasing certain fashion trends. It highlights the actual place she is traveling to and the people who live there, showing that there is more than what her audience might think there is. Research and actual experience is very important to share on such a large platform, as well as understanding the influence that you have. One should show be able to show the beautiful parts, but also the real parts.
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