Abstract
Social media makes an important contribution to a rapidly changing world in which various domains of meaning are described anew. The evolving nature and dynamic character of social media therefore provides for a rich praxis terrain with which to interact from a practical theological orientation. More specifically associated with the theme of this contribution, the social media sphere also provides an excellent space not only to rethink but also to reenact expressions of dignity in society. The research is facilitated from a practical theological orientation, with particular focus on a normative dimension as embodied in aspects of dignity. Through the use of an interdisciplinary approach and methodology, some contours of dignity specifically associated with South African politics as well as the so-called Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 in Paris expressed on the social media platform, Twitter, are described and discussed. From this empirical analysis, description and discussion, a practical theological reflection is offered in which aspects of dignity associated with a normativity function are described. Some practical theological perspectives contributing to future relevant tweeting on dignity are also formulated and provided in conclusion.
Highlights
In presenting a contribution to the Festschrift of colleague Yolanda Dreyer, I acknowledge her as a colleague and friend whose life and message carry an exceptional influence
As one of the first female ministers in South Africa, and as a rated and recognised international academic, she makes a unique contribution to the expansion of practical theology
Looking at some of the most popular individual tweets in terms of a normative accent the following can be noted: 5.‘Social media are not the causes of revolutions and violence, they are rather a mirror of the power structures and structures of exploitation and oppression that we find in contemporary society’ (Fuchs 2014:204)
Summary
In presenting a contribution to the Festschrift of colleague Yolanda Dreyer, I acknowledge her as a colleague and friend whose life and message carry an exceptional influence. The uniqueness of Yolanda’s contribution is underlined by the fact that, as a scholar with doctorate degrees in Practical Theology and New Testament, she personifies the establishment of a multidisciplinary scientific methodology that gives scope to persons marginalised in various ways This has led to Yolanda’s research having a strong relevance-contextual character with topical themes related to the embodiment of dignity being emphasised. By referring to the Steve Hofmeyer and Conrad Koch/Chester Missing incident a local and contextual case study will be offered (News24 2015:n.p.) This is followed secondly by a short introduction in which social media, and in particular Twitter as an important platform, is described as a prominent driver of a changing world. In the last section of the article a critical practical theological reflection is offered, with specific strategic perspectives, as interpretation and elucidation of the normativity associated with Twitter messages on dignity
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