Lots of brands are out there vying for your social media attention with dank memes, relatable jokes and savage dunks in an attempt to win your money by convincing you that they’re just like you and not a corporate entity. Some are more successful at this ploy than others — Wendy’s extremely online Twitter voice comes to mind — but it’s important to remember, no matter what, that brands are not your friends and these tweets are meant to sell you things, full stop.
But the Steak-umms Twitter account feels like, if not an exception to the rule than at least a more nuanced version of it. Steak-umm, a thin-sliced frozen steak brand mostly used for Philly cheesesteaks that’s existed since the late ’60s, has found new life via a Twitter account that sure seems to be run by one anonymous person who’s allowed to do pretty much whatever they want.
So it’s a good thing that this person has an extremely good head on their shoulders, as evidenced by this thread that dropped a smart, nuanced take on how to think about the news we consume.
outliers attempting to counter global consensus around this pandemic with amateur reporting or unverified sourcing are not collecting data. breaking news stories that only relay initial findings of an event are not collecting data. we have to be careful in our media consumption
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 7, 2020
all we currently have are limited and evolving metrics that experts are deciphering and acting upon immediately to the best of their ability. this terrain leaves many openings for opportunists and charismatic manipulators to lead people astray by exploiting what they want to hear
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 7, 2020
you can maintain independent, critical thinking toward institutions without dipping into fringe conspiracies that get jumpstarted by individual anecdotes being virally spread as data. it's not easy, but it's necessary to keep any semblance of responsible online information flow
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 7, 2020
if you thought this thread was useful, we posted another one recently touching on small, simple ways that the average person can take on the daily cultural challenges of this pandemic without demonizing or otherizing our neighbors https://t.co/1AO0c5EP6C https://t.co/CJBxnjBWG2
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 7, 2020
This is about as helpful advice for navigating our coronavirus-addled media landscape as you’re likely to find, highlighting the ways individual anecdotes can be spun by bad faith actors to platform conspiracy theories and junk science. It’s the sort of thing you’d expect from a data scientist or journalist but, no, this is Steak-umms. The brand itself notes that “we’re a frozen meat brand posting ads inevitably made to misdirect people and generate sales, so this is peak irony, but hey we live in a society so please make informed decisions to the best of your ability and don’t let anecdotes dictate your worldview.”
And that’s not all. Whoever runs the Steak-umm Twitter account also had some excellent thoughts about ways to stave off the temptation to dehumanize others during a crisis. Genuinely valuable information here, including wisdom on the importance of having the “humility and understanding to admit our uncertainties while still spreading truth in love.”
not everyone has the chance to stay home and social distance in this crisis. millions of working class people are still keeping food stores stocked, warehouses shipping, and other necessary institutions operational. be thankful for those who wish they could be home safe right now
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 3, 2020
we need solidarity in order to come through this more united than divided. the pandemic is politicized, as every major crisis, so the question is this: how can we react to that politicization in a way that slows tribalism and inspires understanding? what small steps can we take?
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 3, 2020
it's best to focus on small ways we can each make an impact. can you spread credible information to those in need? can you spare some groceries for your neighbor? can you check in with someone who's struggling with isolation? can you organize social pressure for positive change?
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 3, 2020
no one is "perfect." it's impossible to keep up with the latest facts, relevant news, and still be a loving, available person with a job. misteaks will be made. that's ok. that's why we need humility and understanding to admit our uncertainties while still spreading truth in love
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 3, 2020
there's never gonna be a utopian world where differences disappear. life is politics and politics is fighting. but we can work toward a more mutual understanding so the fights are more against systemic problems, rather than our neighbors
be good to each other, it's always in you
— Steak-umm (@steak_umm) April 3, 2020
Steak-umm has ended most of their recent Twitter threads with a link to Feeding America, a food bank that already netted a $25,000 donation from Steak-umm. Food banks are especially hard up for donations right now so if you’re looking for a spot to contribute, either check out your local food banks or visit Feeding America’s website for more info.
