Presenter: Cassie Cole — Public relations
Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Donnalyn Pompper
Session: (In-Person) Oral Panel—Diversity and Analysis
The 2020 Black Lives Matter movement made international headlines as a powerful push for racial equality in the United States. Media coverage on the movement helped BLM supporters gain support throughout the country, but the Stop Asian Hate movement in 2021 did not garner the same level of media coverage. The purpose of this research is to examine the causes and incentives that determined whether Eugene business owners chose to support these two social movements. This study asks the question: How did the recent social movements generate support from Eugene business owners and how was this reflected in the businesses themselves? Surveys and interviews were used to analyze why and what incentivized Eugene businesses’ response to the BLM and Stop Asian Hate movements. Business owners were asked to explain their response to these movements and the channels through which they received their information. Using Critical Race Theory, study responses were analyzed to find that the difference in media coverage between the two movements caused the BLM movement to be more heavily supported by Eugene business owners. BLM held a large physical and social media presence, allowing them to generate more attention for their cause. The findings of this research emphasizes the growing necessity of social media and social interactions for the growth of a movement. Rather than mainstream media coverage, it is often the opinion of one’s friends and peers that ultimately influences social justice.