Negative stereotypes are often portrayed in the mainstream media. This can influence public perceptions and deeply offend many people. One Aboriginal father's tweet in response to a controversial political cartoon launched #IndigenousDads, a social media phenomenon proving that social media has the power to create positive social change.

As a strong advocate and campaigner for Aboriginal justice matters, Joel Bayliss used the passionate response to Bill Leak’s cartoon portraying a negative stereotype of indigenous fathers to send a counter message of positivity. As a result, his online movement, #IndigenousDads, has been a powerful, harmonising force reminding Australians that in order to achieve reconciliation you have to ‘be the change’.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx