In a slight tangent from the dance theme of the blog, I want
to discuss the new app “Lulu.” I heard about it from a friend, and it has
gotten some press because of the potential controversies that it brings.
My understanding, not having used it myself, is that after
signing in through Facebook, female users rate their male friends. It restricts
based on the selected gender on Facebook. There is a resulting database of
comments and reviews of men that is searchable to users.
The justification for the program seems to be that it is
only women using it, and those who are rated should never see. Some say that
this is payback for the objectification that women regularly receive, and
others realize that two wrongs don’t make a right. Beyond the simple fact that retaliation
doesn’t help those who have been hurt, this system is extremely demeaning, and
connects comments to names in (electronic) print. There are fill-in-the-blank
questions to answer, with snarky answers, with responses ranging from rude to
vulgar and downright insensitive (someone’s jokes make you vomit or slit your
wrists).
Considering the implications of how new technology affects
our entire culture is important to ensure progress in society, or we are sure
to risk larger rifts between social groups.
What do you think about the App?
ReplyDeleteAlyssa, so I actually downloaded this app over break because I saw it was recommended in the AppStore, and guilty, I spent probably four straight hours that night on it. I did actually feel bad about some of the things on there, but I cant deny that I love this app. I don't think it makes any big strides in empowering women or anything like that but the point of the app is so that if you are talking to or dating a guy, you can look him up on Lulu and see what girls who know him say about him. I think that part is kind of awesome. Pretty much all of my friends will spend too much time creeping on a guy on Facebook or Twitter trying to get a sense of who he really is. So if ladies have this app to just tell them the truth, maybe they wont wind up getting played by some asshole who is putting up this gentleman front just to get some. Yes, some of the comments could be very hurtful, and if I were one of the guys on it I would be really mad about that...but coming from a girl who has dealt with way too many guys that like to pretend they are nice, this app can save a lot of time and broken hearts maybe! Maybe if guys knew that girls were going to have a way to tell everyone that they are jerks they wouldn't treat girls a certain way.
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