In this blog post, we will be diving into the first segment of a four-part #Shorts review series on Kevin Kantor’s “People You May Know.” We’ll be exploring the common connections we all have in the world of social media and how Kantor’s work sheds light on this modern phenomenon. As we delve into this thought-provoking topic, we’ll examine how our online presence can shape our personal relationships and impact our broader social networks. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of this compelling work!

Introduction

Social media platforms have become central to our lives, with billions of users worldwide. Facebook, in particular, is one of the most popular platforms. It has connected us in ways we never thought possible, but it has also brought to light the many unsettling connections we share with others. How often do we come across people on our “People you may know” tab whom we might have met on an occasion we would want to forget? Kevin Kantor, a performance poet and spoken word artist, explores this phenomenon in his poem “People You May Know.” The poem is a deep reflection of the dark side of social media’s connectivity. In this article, we delve into his powerful writing that highlights one of the many common connections that bring people together on social media.

Understanding “People You May Know” Poem

The spoken word poem is available on Button Poetry’s YouTube channel as part of their #Shorts series. Button Poetry is a platform for poetry that promotes diverse voices and perspectives. The poem is a cringe-worthy account of Kantor’s encounter with a serial rapist who turned up on his People You May Know tab on Facebook. He reflects on how Facebook connects us to friends, family, and even people we do not know. The latter is where we are introduced to the dark side of this connectivity.

Kantor likens Facebook to a crime scene, a place where he is forced to confront the many possibilities of his own life’s trajectory. In his search for clues about his memories, he uses the “People You May Know” tab as a starting point. The poet describes the encounter as finding a box of old photographs in a closet. He struggles with the idea of examining the contents of the box but finds it challenging to resist. In this case, Facebook acts as a distorted mirror, shattering his view of the ideal social media platform and replacing it with a darker alternative.

The Poet’s Message

Kantor’s poem is a powerful critique of social media platforms, raising concerns about their impact on society, specifically how it reflects the darker corners of humanity. The poem is a reflection of the societal norms that allow us to focus on white-collar crime, while ignoring the violent and heinous effects of sexual assault. It is a reminder of the many people who go on living their everyday lives without any consequences for their actions. The poet’s focus on an old photograph is a way to cope with the trauma, a way to remember that their past is just a part of their lives but does not define them.

Conclusion

Kantor’s poem depicts one of the many connections in social media. Although a warning of the possible dangers, it also serves to remind us of the many valuable reasons why people embrace it. Social media is a powerful tool that connects us in ways we never thought possible, but it is essential to remember that everything comes with tradeoffs. As we navigate our way through this virtual world, we need to be conscious of the connections we make. We owe it to ourselves to examine every connection, relationship and friendship and to decide for ourselves whether they help or hinder us.

FAQs

1. What is Button Poetry?
   Button Poetry is a platform for poetry that promotes diverse voices and perspectives. They create videos, books, and events that showcase the work of some of the most exciting and innovative poets of today.

2. What is Kevin Kantor’s “People You May Know” About?
   The poem is a cringe-worthy account of Kevin’s encounter with a serial rapist who turned up on his People You May Know tab on Facebook.

3. What is the poet’s message in “People You May Know”?
   Kantor’s poem is a powerful critique of social media platforms, raising concerns about their impact on society, specifically how it reflects the darker corners of humanity.

4. What is the significance of the “People You May Know” tab on Facebook?
   The “People You May Know” tab is a feature on Facebook that suggests people you might know based on mutual friends and interests.

5. How can people support Button Poetry?
   People can support Button Poetry by subscribing to their channel for more content, buying their books, and attending their events. They also have a donation link on their website for those who want to support their work financially.