Did you notice the flood of black and white photos on Instagram and Facebook this past week?
The posts are beautiful and intriguing. The photo comes with a mysterious “Challenge accepted” caption and the friend who tagged them. Some include the hashtag #womensupportingwomen.
If you’re a girl, you probably received the DM like this one from a friend.
Sounds pretty awesome and easy, right? Showing your beauty and your support for other women in one move? Yasss, queen!
Milllions of women around the world joined the challenge, including local celebrities. Actress Liza Soberano posted her photo and tagged other fellow celebrities.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDIvG_TFnF0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
How did this challenge start?
In the beginning of the challenge, people just thought it’s a nice way of sharing photos and girl power.
An Instagram post from Turkey came out with information on the challenge. Women in Turkey were posting black and white photos of themselves to spread awareness on the femicide happening in their country.
Former Ms. Universe Pia Wurtzbach posted hers and included information on the femicide in Turkey.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJE1FHDgVb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Reviving #challengeaccepted on Instagram
It’s pretty normal for hashtags to be revived back to life. Instagram representatives said the hashtag was used for a photo challenge to spread cancer awareness back in 2016.
However, the revival of the hashtag in 2020 did not originate from Turkey. Brazilian journalist Ana Paula Padrao’s post is partially responsible for this year’s resurfacing of the hashtag, according to Instagram.
US State Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s viral speech
The eloquent Ocasio-Cortez speaking up on violence against women in the workplace can ignite a movement. Therefore, it’s no surprise that her speech also partially revived the #womensupportingwomen trend. Women all over the world who heard her can relate.
Even our own Vice President joined and posted her black and white photo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLOcV8BYzi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
People love joining online challenges that involve sharing photos. It makes you feel like you are part of a big thing. Posting a simple photo may seem like a really small gesture. Online challenges can help raise awareness of issues. The meaning of the challenge may change as it is passed on. But if joining in helps us feel more connected in times like this, then that is a good thing.