Radio as a Social Text

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Radio as a Social Text
Social Text is an academic journal that addresses a wide range of social and cultural issues such as race, gender, sexuality and the environment (Nyong’o et al. 1). Each issue covers debates about popular culture, feminism, postmodernism, and neoliberalism. Radio has been an effective way of addressing these issues because millions of people whether literate or illiterate can receive the message. Radio is used by women to address gender violence as well as empower them. There is a reduction in gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo because most people are talking about the issue through Bubusa Radio (Nakweya 1). Similarly, in Malawi, there is an interactive radio series that uses drama reflecting gender violence that Malawian women face. Listeners are encouraged to call into the show and voice their opinions on how new attitudes can bring change (Concern worldwide U.S 1).
Radio has also been a way for people to learn about sexuality. They talk openly and listen to other people’s experiences and learn from them. Similarly, health issues like HIV are spoken of in detail. Radio Tob in Chad together with health activists is bringing awareness of sex-related matters to a community that still harbors resistance against family planning due to their traditional beliefs (UNFPA 1). This radio has had a considerable impact on people, and they have started changing their behaviors regarding sexuality.
Radio is also used to educate people on feminism and how it affects women.

Women are given a platform by radio stations to discuss the hurdles they face. For example, black feminist Reni Eddo-Lodge was invited to BBC radio to discuss feminism in 2013 (Vidal 1). Additionally, radio stations are used to air debates and talks about postmodernism, postcolonialism, and even neoliberalism. For example, Guttal’s talk about neoliberalism in Asia and how people were planning to challenge it was aired in 3CR Community Radio (Guttal 1).
In conclusion, it’s evident that radio is a form of social text where cultural and social issues can be addressed. People can learn and discuss openly on matters relating to race, gender, feminism, sexuality, neoliberalism among others.
Works Cited
Concern Worldwide U.S. “Radio Role-Play to End Violence Against Women – Concern.” Concern, 2016, https://www.concernusa.org/story/radio-role-play-to-end-violence-against-women/. Accessed 28 Sept 2018.
Guttal, Shalmali. “Resisting Neoliberalism.” Focus On the Global South, 2016, https://focusweb.org/content/resisting-neoliberalism. Accessed 28 Sept 2018.
Nakweya, Gilbert. “Using Radio to Enable Women Address Challenges.” Scidev.Net Sub-Saharan Africa, 2014, https://www.scidev.net/sub-Saharan-africa/icts/scidev-net-at-large/using-radio-to-address-challenges.html. Accessed 28 Sept 2018.
Nyong’o, Tavia et al. “Social Text.” Duke University Press, vol 36, no. 2(135), 2018, Accessed 28 Sept 2018.
UNFPA. “Good Morning, Chad: Radio Breaks Down Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health.” Unfpa.Org, 2015, https://www.unfpa.org/news/good-morning-chad-radio-breaks-down-barriers-sexual-and-reproductive-health. Accessed 28 Sept 2018.
Vidal, Ava. “‘Intersectional Feminism.’ What Is the Hell It? (And Why You Should Care)”. Telegraph.Co. Uk, 2014, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10572435/Intersectional-feminism.-What-the-hell-is-it-And-why-you-should-care.html. Accessed 28 Sept 2018.