The Stepping into Visibility Model: Mapping out Visibility Journeys and their Consequences for Mediactivists from the Global South. (Modelo de Escalas da Visibilidade: Mapeando Percursos de Visibilidade e suas Consequências para Midiativistas do Sul Global).

Abstract

In this article, we develop the Stepping into Visibility Model, mapping out the visibility journeys of mediactivists from Global South countries. Drawing from digital ethnographic observations and in-depth interviews, we apply the model to two case studies: a) activists in a Brazilian favela and their use of social media for protection against police violence (Maré Vive) and b) a Kenyan photographer who produces images of Nairobi at night to discuss social anxiety themes (Msingi Sasis). The study provides a theoretical discussion on mediactivism and analyses the multiple facets entailed in the concept of “visibility. We hope to offer a contribution to activists from marginalised communities by helping them become stronger when stepping into negative unintended visibility