What You Need to Know About The "Challenge Accepted" Trend and Why it's So Controversial

From Seventeen

If you've been on Instagram over the past week, you've probably seen celebrities, friends, and influencers posting black and white selfies with the caption, #ChallengeAccepted. The trend is quickly taking over feeds and while it's supposed to promote female empowerment, it's actually becoming very controversial. Here's everything to know about the latest viral challenge and why many women have a problem with it.

What is the #ChallengeAccepted trend?

According to Instagram, the #ChallengeAccepted trend is meant to "celebrate strength, spread love and remind all women that supporting each other is everything." To participate, a woman posts a black-and-white selfie and then nominates her friends to take part in the challenge and do the same.

As of today, the hashtag has over 5.5 million posts on Instagram. According to The New York Times, a spike in posts relating to female empowerment and the use of the hashtag can be partly attributed to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speech on the floor of Congress last week where she called out Representative Ted Yoho for his sexist remarks.

According to journalist Taylor Lorenz, though, the challenge has actually been around since 2016 and has gone viral many times since then. It seems like the latest iteration, which benefited from AOC's speech, actually began about two weeks ago by the Brazilian journalist Ana Paula Padrão.

Why is it controversial?

Much like #BlackoutTuesday from last month, the #ChallengeAccepted trend has been accused of being an outlet for performative activism. While many of the captions associated with the trend speak of female empowerment, the posts don't actually do anything to aid in any sort of women's movement. And, many are concerned that if someone posts the black-and-white selfie, they will feel like their work is done and they won't actually take any action to help the cause.

"I was really hoping this challenge accepted trend wouldn’t catch on but please read the room and question whether or not a black and white photo of you actually does anything for intersectional and global feminism or if it’s just another facet of performative activism," one Twitter user wrote.

Others are upset that the challenge is clogging people's social media feeds during the coronavirus pandemic and civil rights movement. "Imagine being in the middle of a global pandemic, an economic collapse, and a fight for racial equality while rallying thousands of people to participate in a selfie challenge that doesn’t raise money or awareness for a single cause," another user wrote.

TV Writer Camilla Blackett wondered why women needed a trend to post a gorgeous pic on social media. "What is the point of this #ChallengeAccepted thing?" she asked. "Do people not know you can just post a hot selfie for no reason?"

There are also theories going around that the current iteration of the trend began in Turkey to educate and raise awareness about femicide, or the killing of women based on their gender, which is an ongoing issue in the country.

While it doesn't seem like that is actually where this current resurgence started, some are upset that women are posting the black-and-white photos without being aware of the issue of femicide.

Others don't believe that posting the selfie will help the women who are victims of femicide in Turkey. "Can’t we share resources/donate $$$ to bring that to light and post cute pics just because, not because it’s a trend??" one user asked on Twitter. "Like what do social media trends actually do to actually stop racism or femicide?"

Can I still post a black-and-white selfie?

That being said, if you get nominated in the #ChallengeAccepted trend and you want to participate, go for it! But don't let it be the only thing you do to support women today. Consider donating to charities that fight for women's rights and work to support women in various ways. Here are some great ones to get you started:

• Women for Women International has helped half a million women in countries affected by war and conflict. They offer various means of support, tools, and access to skills to help women "move from crisis and poverty to stability and economic self-sufficiency."

• Step Up works with girls in under-resourced communities to help them reach their full potential.

• The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN's programing helps to prevent sexual violence while also helping survivors and bringing perpetrators to justice.

• IF/THEN works to inspire the next generation of women looking to enter careers in the field of STEM.

• So much change begins in politics, which is why Running Start empowers young women to get involved in politics, offering programs that equip them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to get where they need to go.

• Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health care, sex education, and support to millions around the world.

• The Nation Coalition Against Domestic Violence is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence while holding offenders accountable, supporting advocates, and helping those currently in need.

• The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer.

• Every year, 12 million girls around the country are married before the age of 18. Girls Not Brides is working to end child marriage and provide a safer and healthier future for these girls.

• The Black Women's Health Imperative is the only national organization dedicated to the health and wellness of Black women. Their initiatives advocate, educate, and provide support for Black women in all aspects of life.

• The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change anti-trans policies and increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people.

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