Public figure's social media conflict

Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we'll be examining the significant impact social media can have on conflict involving public figures. Our case study will focus on the controversy surrounding comedian Roseanne Barr and her infamous tweet in 2018, exploring how Twitter amplified the conflict and ultimately led to the cancellation of her revived sitcom."

Slide 2: Introducing Roseanne Barr - The Context

• Title: Roseanne Barr: A Comedic Force and Her Return
• Bullet Points:
  • Groundbreaking sitcom "Roseanne" (1988-1997) known for its portrayal of a working-class family.
  • Barr herself was a controversial figure, known for outspoken views.
  • Revival of "Roseanne" in 2018 was a major television event, garnering high ratings.
  • The revival often touched on politically charged topics, reflecting Barr's own conservative leanings.
• Visual: A photo of the cast of the "Roseanne" revival.

(Slide Notes): "To understand the 2018 conflict, it's important to remember the context surrounding Roseanne Barr. Her original sitcom was a cultural phenomenon, and her outspoken personality was a key part of her public persona. The revival of 'Roseanne' was highly anticipated, and it deliberately engaged with contemporary political and social issues, often mirroring Barr's own conservative viewpoints. This pre-existing environment of heightened political awareness and Barr's history of controversial statements set the stage for the events that unfolded."

Slide 3: The Spark - The Infamous Tweet

• Title: The Tweet That Ignited the Firestorm
• Image: A screenshot of Roseanne Barr's tweet targeting Valerie Jarrett. (Note: Be mindful of the content and consider blurring or partially obscuring if necessary for presentation guidelines, but the visual reference is crucial).
• Brief Text Below Image: "Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj"
• Source Citation (small font): [Link to a news article reporting the tweet]

(Slide Notes): "The conflict erupted with this single tweet posted by Roseanne Barr on May 29, 2018. The tweet targeted Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, who is African American. The comparison to the 'Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes' was widely interpreted as racist and Islamophobic."

Slide 4: Immediate Social Media Reaction - The Outcry

• Title: Social Media Erupts: Outrage and Calls for Accountability
• Visual: A collage of screenshots showing various reactions to the tweet on Twitter:
  • Tweets expressing shock and disgust.
  • Tweets using hashtags like #Roseanne, #Racism, #BoycottRoseanne.
  • Tweets from other celebrities and public figures condemning Barr's statement.
  • Retweets and quote tweets amplifying the message.
• Bullet Points (summarizing the sentiment):
  • Widespread condemnation of the tweet as racist and offensive.
  • Calls for ABC to take action, including boycotting the show.
  • Public figures distanced themselves from Barr.
  • The speed and volume of the reaction were unprecedented.

(Slide Notes): "The immediate reaction on social media, particularly Twitter, was swift and overwhelmingly negative. The tweet went viral within minutes, sparking a massive outpouring of outrage. Users across the platform expressed their shock and condemnation, using hashtags to organize the discussion and amplify their calls for accountability. Many other celebrities and public figures also weighed in, publicly denouncing Barr's statement. The sheer speed and volume of this reaction demonstrate the power of social media to instantly disseminate information and mobilize public opinion."

Slide 5: ABC's Response - Pressure and Decision

• Title: Corporate Response Under the Social Media Spotlight
• Visual: The ABC network logo alongside a news headline announcing the cancellation of "Roseanne."
• Bullet Points:
  • ABC initially issued a statement condemning Barr's remarks.
  • The intense and sustained pressure on social media played a significant role in their decision-making.
  • ABC swiftly announced the cancellation of the "Roseanne" revival within hours of the tweet.
  • Channing Dungey, then president of ABC Entertainment, called the remarks "abhorrent, repugnant, and inconsistent with our values."

(Slide Notes): "Faced with the immense public outcry fueled by social media, ABC network was under significant pressure to respond decisively. Their initial statement condemning the tweet was quickly followed by the announcement of the show's cancellation. While internal considerations undoubtedly played a part, the sheer volume and intensity of the social media backlash clearly accelerated and likely influenced ABC's decision. The network recognized the potential damage to its brand and values if it continued to air a show led by someone who had made such offensive remarks."

Slide 6: Barr's Initial Reaction and Subsequent Activity

• Title: Roseanne's Social Media Aftermath: Defense and Further Controversy
• Visual: Screenshots of some of Roseanne Barr's subsequent tweets:
  • Initially defending her statement or claiming misinterpretation.
  • Later issuing an apology (often interspersed with other commentary).
  • Retweeting supportive messages and engaging with critics.
• Bullet Points:
  • Barr initially defended her tweet, sometimes blaming Ambien or claiming it was a joke.
  • She later issued apologies, but her social media activity remained erratic and often contradictory.
  • Her continued use of Twitter kept the controversy alive and prevented it from fading quickly.
  • Engaging with both supporters and detractors further amplified the conflict.

(Slide Notes): "Following the cancellation, Roseanne Barr remained active on Twitter, further shaping the narrative and prolonging the conflict. Her initial reactions ranged from defending her words and offering explanations to issuing apologies. However, her continued engagement on the platform, often with inconsistent messaging and further controversial statements, prevented the issue from dissipating. By directly interacting with both those who supported her and those who condemned her, she kept the spotlight firmly fixed on the controversy."

Slide 7: The Spin-Off - "The Conners"

• Title: A New Beginning? "The Conners" and the Lingering Impact
• Visual: A promotional image for the spin-off sitcom "The Conners."

PowerPoint Presentation: The Social Media Storm - The Case of Roseanne Barr

(10-12 Slides)

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: The Social Media Storm: How Twitter Fueled the Conflict and Cancellation of Roseanne Barr
• Subtitle: Analyzing a Public Figure's Social Media Conflict and its Impact
• Your Name/Course
• Visual: A split image: one side showing a smiling Roseanne Barr, the other side showing a stylized Twitter logo with storm clouds gathering around it.