To Whom It May Concern,
Social media has long been a stage for curated perfection—a place where people present their most polished, filtered selves. Platforms like Instagram rewarded unattainable ideals, creating a space where only the flawless felt like they belonged. But TikTok changed everything.TikTok became a refuge for the outliers—for those who weren’t perfect, for people who wanted to show their true, authentic selves. It allowed the messy, the quirky, and the real to shine. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about connection. And that’s why it matters.
The TikTok ban scheduled for January 19, 2025, with a hearing by the Supreme Court on January 10, 2025, raises concerns about freedom of expression and the broader cultural and economic impacts it could have on our society. In reflecting on this, I found myself diving into history—thinking about the Sumerians, Mesopotamia, and the trade routes that connected early civilizations. These ancient networks were more than just pathways for goods; they were vital conduits for cultural exchange, innovation, and growth. I found myself diving into the histories of ancient civilizations trade routes, and the Silk Road. I credit my graduate professor—a historian who saved the best lessons for last—for sparking this kind of thinking. Now, I can see parallels between those early civilizations and modern platforms like TikTok.
TikTok, much like the trade routes and cultural exchanges of ancient times, has become a hub for innovation, creativity, and community-building. A ban on such a platform could have far-reaching consequences, silencing millions of voices and stifling the cultural exchange that has historically driven progress.
A Modern Trade Route: TikTok’s Cultural Impact
TikTok mirrors the ancient crossroads of Mesopotamia, where diverse populations converged to exchange ideas and birth innovations that shaped the world. Just as Mesopotamian trade routes connected Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, TikTok connects people globally, fostering an unprecedented level of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. To ban TikTok would be akin to severing those vital trade routes, depriving societies of the enrichment that comes from shared creativity and knowledge. Similarly, the mass migrations through Ellis Island in the early 20th century represented a gateway of opportunity for millions seeking a better life. These migrations were not just about survival but about thriving through new possibilities—much like how TikTok serves as a gateway for creators and businesses to connect, innovate, and succeed.
A New Frontier for Education
Education is failing. The current systems, designed for a one-size-fits-all approach, are leaving countless people behind. Stories like that of a man who couldn’t read until he found a supportive community on TikTok illustrate this failure. Watching him read daily on the platform and eventually share his journey on national television is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s a reminder of the gaps in traditional education and the potential for alternative systems to empower individuals to learn and grow at their own pace.
TikTok has emerged as an educational lifeline for many. Whether it’s teaching basic literacy, breaking down complex topics like science or history, or sharing life skills that traditional schools don’t prioritize, the platform enables users to learn in ways that fit their needs. It offers a collaborative, accessible space where education is tailored, inclusive, and often more impactful than rigid institutional systems.
As someone who deeply values education, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional systems can fall short of meeting the diverse needs of learners. TikTok’s format is revolutionary because it democratizes education, giving people the tools to teach and learn without barriers. It fills the gaps left by outdated systems and reminds us that education is not confined to classrooms—it’s about meeting people where they are and helping them grow.
The Creativity Renaissance: Breaking Free from 9-to-5
As someone who has worked the 9-to-5, I know how draining it is on the spirit of a creative individual. The traditional work model was designed for efficiency, not creativity. While it served its purpose in fueling mass production, today’s world thrives on creativity, individuality, and flexibility. Platforms like TikTok empower creators to embrace their unique talents and redefine success on their own terms.
TikTok allows flexibility over structure, enabling creatives to work when and how they are most productive. It serves as a beacon for cultural progress in an era that demands innovation.
Economic and Social Impacts
Empowering Small Businesses: TikTok’s algorithm allows small businesses and entrepreneurs to reach audiences they could never access through traditional marketing. A ban would disproportionately affect these individuals, cutting off a lifeline that fuels economic growth and innovation.
Opportunities for Youth
TikTok provides a platform for younger generations to explore their creativity, voice their opinions, and build careers. It democratizes content creation, giving equal opportunities to individuals regardless of their resources or background.
Stifling Cultural Exchange: The platform is a melting pot of global cultures, enabling users to share and learn from diverse traditions, languages, and experiences. A ban would limit this exchange, creating cultural silos instead of bridges.
Lessons from History
Civilizations that thrived—like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley—embraced connectivity and exchange. Their progress was built on the diversity of people, goods, and ideas passing through them. When trade routes were disrupted, societies stagnated. TikTok represents a digital trade route, and its removal could lead to similar stagnation in cultural and creative progress. Africa’s contributions to interconnected trade routes—linking Egypt, Nubia, and beyond—demonstrate how collaboration fosters innovation. TikTok mirrors this role today, fostering inclusivity and innovation in the digital age.
Concerns About Alternatives
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook, while useful, lack the simplicity and accessibility that make TikTok so appealing. Their algorithms often prioritize established creators and corporations, leaving smaller voices drowned out. Long-form platforms like YouTube, while valuable, require more resources and skills, making them less accessible to casual creators and smaller businesses.
A Call for Balance
Rather than banning TikTok, a balanced approach is needed:
Regulation: Address legitimate concerns about data privacy and security through transparent regulation rather than outright prohibition.
Support for Innovation: Encourage platforms that prioritize user creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Listening to the People: Engage with the millions of users who rely on TikTok as a source of income, expression, and community to understand their needs and concerns.
TikTok is more than an app; it’s a cultural movement, a digital trade route, and a gateway for creativity and connection. Let us learn from history and choose progress over regression.
Sincerely,
Sulaah