What does Yik Yak have to do with racism?

What does Yik Yak have to do with racism?  I wouldn't have guessed - but this is because I am not looking over my shoulder wondering what people are thinking about me because of my race.  I was stunned to hear how the anonymity of the internet can give voice and a stage to hatred.  

This podcast is filled with despair from students of color at Colgate Universit who became the target of hate speech when they organized and began to shine a light on the racist culture they faced on campus.

The podcast is also filled with hop when the faculty acted as allies by posting positive messages also on Yik Yak - that they signed as a passive protest to the negativity that was promoted through anonymity.  

Finally, @JamilSmith spoke about his own experiences University of Pennsylvani in the early 90's - and his observations that this conversation is being driven by students on campus across the country.  "... these are the students that we've been waiting for ... these students might be a little bit more organized, a little bit more radical, and a little bit more daring than we were."

I continue to be inspired by the power of young people as a force of change.  Thank you Reply al for reminding all of us that we should take their ideas seriously and stand with them, encourage them, and support them with our ideas and advice, our networks, and our resources.

https://gimletmedia.com/episode/46-yik-yak-returns/