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Blog Post 6 (makeup)

1.How did white supremacist newsletters in the print-only era portray interracial relationships and queer sexuality?

In the print-only era, white supremacist newsletters portrayed interracial relationships, especially between black men and white women, as a major threat to white racial purity, linking them to a conspiracy led by Jewish people. Queer sexuality, especially male homosexuality, was seen as emasculating and dangerous, and often linked to Jewish identity. Lesbians were usually portrayed as Jewish feminists who posed a threat to white womanhood.

2. How has the internet, especially forums like Stormfront, changed the way white supremacist views are expressed?

The internet has made white supremacist talk more participatory. On forums like Stormfront, users can contribute their own ideas and reinterpret ideology rather than just reading what a few leaders wrote. This has led to a wider range of opinions, including more views on issues like homosexuality and interracial relationships, even if the core beliefs remain hateful.

3.  Why have white men played such a large role in bringing white supremacist ideology to the internet?

White men have played a leading role in bringing white supremacy online because they have historically held power in areas like technology, politics, and the economy. They were also among the early developers and adopters of the internet, giving them the tools and access to use digital platforms to spread their ideology.

4.What is ironic about how white supremacy has been expressed online, according to the text?

The irony is that the internet is often seen as a place where race doesn't matter or is invisible, but at the same time, white supremacists like Don Black were creating websites like Stormfront specifically to promote racist ideas. So, while the internet is supposed to be open and equal, it has also been used to spread hate and racism.

5. Why is Ananova considered an important example of how femininity is used in digital media?

Ananova is seen as important because she represents how technology is made to seem more "friendly" and human by using a female image. She looks like a mix of attractive female celebrities and was designed to make people feel more comfortable using new digital and mobile technologies, showing how femininity is often used to "soften"  technology.

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Blog Post 10 (makeup)

1. What was the main goal of the Total Information Awareness (TIA) project, and why was it controversial?

The main goal of the TIA project was to collect and analyze massive amounts of personal data, from credit card use to medical records, in order to identify possible terrorist threats before they happened. It was controversial because many people saw it as a violation of privacy and a tool for mass surveillance that could be abused by the government.

2. What was the Terrorism Information and Prevention System (TIPS), and why did it fail?

TIPS was a proposed program where everyday workers like mail carriers and delivery drivers would report "suspicious activities" they witnessed in people’s homes. It failed because of strong public opposition, as it was seen as encouraging citizens to spy on one another and creating a sense of mistrust.

3.  Why does the author compare the rise of surveillance in modern society to the slow rise of fascism in Nazi Germany?

 The author uses this comparison to show how dangerous changes can happen gradually, without people noticing. In Nazi Germany, people got used to small changes in laws and surveillance until it was too late to resist. Similarly, the author warns that modern societies risk losing freedoms slowly through increased surveillance, often justified as necessary for safety or convenience.

4. According to the excerpt, what role have civil liberties and privacy played in social progress movements like women’s suffrage or civil rights?

Civil liberties and privacy have allowed people to organize and protest, sometimes through illegal means, to fight for their rights. Without privacy, many of these movements could have been easily tracked, stopped, or punished by the state. The ability to act without constant surveillance was necessary for making social progress.

5. Why did Pennsylvania State Troopers raid room 238 of the CareFree Inn during the G20 summit? They raided the room because they had a search warrant based on the belief that the occupants were using Twitter and other communication tools to help protesters avoid police, which they considered aiding unlawful activity during the G20 protests.

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Blog Post 9 - Week 12

Why are hairstyles like afros and locs sometimes seen as political or dangerous and how has this affected black women?

Hairstyles like afros and locs are often seen as symbols of protest or pride in black culture. Due to this, some people view them as threatening or against American values. For example, Audre Lorde was almost not allowed into the British Virgin Islands because she had locs, which officials thought meant she was part of a dangerous group or religion. Also, in the 1970s, Angela Davis’s afro was used by the media to make her look like a violent criminal. These examples show that black women are sometimes judged or treated unfairly just because of how they wear their hair.

How does the beauty industry affect the way black women feel about their hair, and what does this show about beauty standards?

The beauty industry makes money by selling products that make black hair straighter or easier to control. Big companies often promote the idea that natural black hair is not good enough. Due to this, many black women spend a lot of money on products like relaxers, wigs, and weaves. Even when more women started wearing their natural hair, companies changed their ads to sell products that “fix” or “tame” natural hair. This shows that society still pushes the idea that black hair needs to be changed to look acceptable.

Why did Community Connect Inc. believe it was important to create online communities based on race and ethnicity?

Community Connect Inc. believed race and ethnicity were powerful ways to bring people together. CEO Benjamin Sun explained that real communities are built around deep connections like race, religion, and ethnicity, not just shared hobbies. He thought people needed to feel empowered and have control over the community's content to create lasting relationships online.

What was a problem with putting many ethnic groups into one online community, like AsianAvenue.com?

The problem was that people from different asian backgrounds have their own cultures and traditions. When AsianAvenue.com started, it didn’t include some groups, like the Hmong, which upset users. This showed that putting all asians into one group can ignore important differences between them.

What is a big problem with the #Gamergate movement, and why do some people think it’s not really about ethics?

#Gamergate says it’s about making video game journalism more honest and fair, but many people don’t believe that’s the real reason behind the movement. Instead of going after big companies with real power, the group mostly attacks small game makers, especially women and people from minority groups. For example, they targeted Zoë Quinn even though she didn’t break any rules. People kept saying she got good media coverage because of who she dated, even when that was proven false. Due to this, a lot of people think the movement is more about being angry at women in gaming than fixing journalism.

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Blog - Week 11

What is the importance of hashtags like #DangerousBlackKids? Hashtags like #DangerousBlackKids were used to fight back against the way black children are unfairly seen as dangerous by the media. People would post funny and innocent pictures of black kids doing normal things, like riding in a wagon or getting a piggy-back ride, with sarcastic captions. This was a way to show that the media often sees black kids as threats, even when they’re just being kids. These hashtags helped people speak out and try to change how black people are shown in the news.

What was the purpose of the hashtag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown?

The hashtag #IfTheyGunnedMeDown was created to protest how the media shows black victims of police violence in a negative way. People used the hashtag to ask, “What photo would the media use if I were killed?” They posted two pictures of themselves, one that might look “bad” to the media and another showing their real lives, like wearing a graduation cap or military uniform. This helped show the unfair way the media often blames victims instead of showing their full story.

What is hacktivism and how is it different from regular hacking?

Hacktivism is the use of technology, especially the internet, to promote political or social causes. It’s different from regular hacking because it's often done by activists who want to support human rights or protest against governments or corporations. While the media often use the term “hacker” to describe criminals, many hacktivists see their actions as peaceful protest or performance art, not as crimes.

Should the success of the #NoDAPL movement only be judged by whether the pipeline was stopped? Why or why not?

No, stopping the pipeline isn't the only way to see if the movement was successful. The #NoDAPL movement made a big difference in other ways too. It helped raise awareness around the world, brought people together in support of Native rights, and gave Indigenous voices a bigger platform. As Leanne Betasamosake Simpson says, success shouldn’t be judged by how much it changes the government or big companies. Instead, it should be about how it supports Indigenous people and challenges unfair systems. So even though the pipeline wasn’t completely stopped, the movement still created real and lasting change.

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Blog Post 7

How does the internet contribute to the formation of a global white supremacist identity? The internet allows white supremacists from different countries to connect and reinforce their shared beliefs, creating what sociologist Les Back refers to as "translocal whiteness." Websites like Stormfront.org help spread racist ideologies across national borders, allowing people from places like Australia, Germany, and South Africa to communicate and organize. This online interaction strengthens a global white identity that is not tied to any single nation but rather to racial solidarity and a shared worldview.

Why does the author argue that Castells' analysis of white supremacy is weakened by his view of race as just a demographic characteristic? Castells treats race as just one of many demographic traits, like gender or economic status, instead of recognizing it as a central organizing principle of white supremacist movements. By doing so, he downplays the significance of systemic racism and the "white racial frame," which shapes how white supremacists perceive the world. His focus on economic hardship and regional factors ignores how deeply race influences these movements. This limits his ability to explain how the internet has facilitated the growth of a global white identity that transcends geography.

How does the author distinguish between different types of online participants in white supremacist communities?

The author categorizes online participants into passive and active participants. Passive participants ,lurkers, do not post or engage, and they can be supportive, curious, or opposed to the site’s ideas. Active participants, on the other hand, create content, moderate discussions, or financially support the site. Only certain active users, such as creators and sustaining members, fit the traditional sociological definition of social movement members.

 Why does the author argue that white supremacist movements online are more about "cultural values" than direct political mobilization?

The author claims that the bigger danger of online white supremacy is not in forming extremist political groups but in challenging the cultural value of racial equality. Online forums allow white supremacists to reinforce each other's beliefs and use historical figures like Thomas Jefferson to justify their ideas. This reinforces a community that spreads racist ideology, even if it does not lead to direct political action.

Article: White Supremacist Social Movements Online and in a Global Context, Daniels

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Blog Post 5

Do social media platforms have a merit system, similar to the one shown in the "Nosedive" episode of Black Mirror? In what ways is this shown on social media?

Yes, social media platforms do have a kind of merit system, similar to what we see in the Nosedive episode of Black Mirror. In Nosedive, people are ranked by a social score based on how others rate them, and this score affects their access to opportunities and social status. In real life, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have something similar. People often "earn" likes, comments, followers, and shares, which can affect their popularity and influence. For example, influencers and creators with more followers and likes are often seen as more important or successful, which can lead to more opportunities like sponsorships, collaborations, or even career advancement. This creates a system where people are judged by their online presence, much like in Nosedive, where your worth is measured by your social score. This type of merit system on social media encourages people to perform and present themselves in a way that gets approval, often focusing on appearances and popularity instead of actual skills or qualities.

How does the social rating system in Nosedive compare to the spread of white supremacy online?

In Nosedive, people’s social status is based on their online ratings, just like how the Internet influences people’s beliefs by controlling what they see. The reading explains that white supremacist groups use hidden websites to spread their ideas, similar to how Nosedive shows people changing their behavior to gain approval. Both systems trap people in “echo chambers,” where they only see certain ideas over and over, making it harder to think for themselves. Just like Lacie in Nosedive gets stuck trying to raise her rating, people who come across extremist content online may keep seeing more of it, making it harder to escape those beliefs. 

How does the concept of the “white racial frame” help explain the way white supremacy is maintained in digital spaces?

The “white racial frame” refers to the way white supremacy is reinforced through stereotypes, emotions, and discriminatory practices that have been passed down through history. Online spaces allow white supremacists to create communities where these ideas go unchallenged, making it easier for them to reject values like racial equality and tolerance. This frame shapes how people view race, often preventing them from understanding the systemic nature of racism and making it harder to challenge racist beliefs.

Why might some people struggle to distinguish between biased and reliable information about race and history online?

Many young people rely on search engines as their main source of information, and the internet presents all websites as equal, making it difficult to determine credibility. For instance, some may encounter cloaked white supremacist sites that distort history, such as falsely portraying slavery as a humane institution. Without proper media literacy skills, they might believe these false claims or assume all perspectives are equally valid, even when one is based on historical facts and another on racist propaganda.

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Blog Post 4, Week 6

Why do some people argue that race is a social construct rather than a biological fact? People argue that race is a social construct because there is no scientific basis for dividing people into distinct racial groups based on genetics. Physical traits like skin color and eye shape do not match up neatly with racial categories, and there is more genetic variation within racial groups than between them. However, race is still very real in society because it affects people's lives in significant ways.

How does gender influence communication in cyberspace? Gender affects how people interact online because digital communication often reflects real-world gender norms. Susan Herring’s research shows that men tend to dominate discussions, while women may face more interruptions or negative responses. This suggests that even though cyberspace allows for anonymity, traditional gender dynamics still shape online conversations.

How does Donna Haraway’s idea of the cyborg challenge traditional views of feminism and gender? Donna Haraway’s idea of the cyborg challenges traditional feminism by rejecting the idea that there is a single way to define women. Instead of seeing women as only defined by their biology or nature, Haraway believes that gender and identity are influenced by society and can change. The cyborg, which is a mix of human and machine, represents this idea because it breaks down old ideas about what it means to be human, female, or even a person. Haraway’s cyborg gives space for a more flexible and modern form of feminism, one that embraces technology and doesn’t stick to gender roles.

What does "ludo-Orientalism" mean and how does it affect the way Asians and Asian Americans are seen in video games? "Ludo-Orientalism" refers to how video games use stereotypes about Asians and shape ideas about East-West relationships. It shows how Asian Americans, even though they are U.S. citizens, are often treated as "foreigners." In games, this idea is shown through the way Asian cultures and characters are either misrepresented or turned into exotic stereotypes. This not only affects how people view Asians in games but also how Asian Americans experience their identity in real life, reinforcing racial differences and stereotypes.

Articles:  “Race in Cyberspace” by Beth E. Kolko, “The Revenge of the Yellow-faced Cyborg Terminator” by Jeffrey A. Ow, “Ludo-Orientalism And the Gamification of Race” by Edward Chang

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Blog Post #3

Why do some people think white names are “normal” while other names stand out?

Many white people don’t think much about their names because whiteness is often seen as the “default” in society. Some white students might say, “My name is just normal,” while others with unique or ethnic names might constantly have to explain or correct people. This idea that white names are “regular” and others are “different” is a form of privilege. It allows white people to move through life without their names being questioned or judged. Meanwhile, people with names that sound foreign or unfamiliar may face discrimination or be seen as outsiders. Recognizing that all names have meaning and history helps us see how race and privilege shape everyday life.

How do new technologies, like algorithms, continue racial bias instead of fixing it?

Even though we might think technology is fair and unbiased, studies show that it often repeats the same racial discrimination seen in society. For example, researchers found that job applicants with white sounding names were much more likely to get callbacks than those with black sounding names, even when everything else about their applications was the same. Algorithms, which are supposed to be neutral, also show bias. One study found that a popular algorithm linked white names with positive words and black names with negative words. This happens because these systems learn from human data, which already has bias in it. Instead of removing discrimination, technology often reinforces unfair stereotypes, making it even harder for marginalized groups to get jobs, loans, or avoid unfair surveillance.

How do search engine algorithms contribute to racism and sexism?

Search engine algorithms contribute to racism and sexism by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and biases present in society. For example, Google’s search results in the past showed pornographic content when searching for terms like "Black girls," while similar searches for white girls did not produce the same results. These biases are built into the algorithms because they are trained on human-generated data, which already contains racist and sexist assumptions. Since these algorithms are controlled by private companies, they often prioritize profit over fairness, allowing discrimination to continue unless public pressure forces change.

Why does the author compare black participation in cyberspace to futurism, and what does this suggest about the role of black people in digital culture?

The author compares black engagement in cyberspace to futurism, particularly referencing Filippo Tommaso Marinetti’s pro-technology enthusiasm, to emphasize that black people have actively shaped the digital landscape rather than simply reacting to it. This comparison suggests that black communities see technology as a powerful tool for progress, innovation, and cultural expression, challenging mainstream narratives that often overlook their contributions.

Articles:

Benjamin, R. (2019). Race after technology: Abolitionist tools for the new Jim Code. Polity.

Everett, A. (2002). The revolution will be digitized: Afrocentricity and the digital public sphere. Social Text, 71(20.2), 125-146.

Noble, S. U. (2018). Algorithms of oppression: How search engines reinforce racism. NYU Press.

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WGST: Blog 2

1. What is cyberfeminism, and how does it relate to gender and race?

Cyberfeminism explores the connection between gender and technology, especially the internet. It includes various views on how digital culture impacts women. For example, Sadie Plant saw the internet as a way for women to challenge traditional gender roles. However, her focus on gender alone, without considering race or other factors, has been criticized. Many cyberfeminist ideas cater to white, privileged women, leaving out marginalized groups. Scholars like Fernandez and Wilding argue that cyberfeminism should be more inclusive of women of color and other underrepresented voices. They believe that while the internet has the potential to create equality, it often continues to favor certain voices over others.

2. What is identity tourism, and how does it relate to cyberfeminism?

Identity tourism is when people take on a different race or gender online. Some cyberfeminists saw this as a way to challenge social roles, but others argue that most people don’t actually change identities online. Instead, they join communities that support their real identity, like BlackPlanet for Black users or LGBTQ+ sites for queer individuals. Another idea, disembodiment, means escaping the physical body online. While this can help some women in restrictive societies, many use the internet to share real-life experiences rather than hide their identities. The internet doesn’t erase gender or race, it often shows real-world inequalities.

3. How do pro-ana and transgender online communities challenge the idea that cyberspace is a disembodied realm?

Pro-ana and transgender online communities show that cyberspace is not just a place to escape the body but also a space where people engage with their physical identities. Pro-ana communities use the internet to share "thinspiration" images and support each other in maintaining extreme eating habits, reinforcing a focus on body control. Similarly, transgender individuals use online resources like email groups and medical databases to find information about hormone treatments and surgeries to transition physically. These examples illustrate that the internet is deeply connected to real-life embodiment, rather than existing as a separate, body-free space.

4. How does automated decision-making affect society, and why is it a problem that these systems are first used on poor communities?

Automated decision-making changes how society makes important choices about fairness and justice by turning them into technical problems that computers solve. These systems are typically tested on poor communities, where people have less power to challenge mistakes. As Virginia Eubanks warns, once these biased systems affect the poor, they can spread to everyone, impacting jobs, healthcare, policing, and more. Allowing unfair systems to harm vulnerable groups today risks creating a future where everyone's rights and privacy are at risk, worsening discrimination and limiting people's ability to challenge unfair treatment.

Articles: Daniels, J. 2009. Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment. /  Eubanks, V. Automating Inequality - Introduction

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The Accidental Text

College life is full of stress, deadlines, exams, and of course, the occasional social disaster. Mine came in the form of one of technology’s greatest betrayals, texting the wrong person. It all started on a Thursday night. I was sitting in my dorm, texting my situationship. He was a cute but incredibly clueless guy I had been seeing for a few months. We had been stuck in this awkward gray area between casual and serious, and honestly, I was getting tired of waiting for him to figure it out. I have always been sure of what I wanted and it was stressing me out that it seemed like he didn’t know if he wanted me or not. Out of frustration of the situation I texted my best friend. I can’t remember exactly what I sent her, but it went along the lines of "Ugh, I swear, if he doesn’t make up his mind soon, I might as well just end whatever we have going on. I’m not about to waste my time on another emotionally unavailable man-child." I hit send. However, when I took a closer look at the contact, I realized something horrific. I hadn’t sent the text to my best friend. I had sent it to my situationship. Pure. Instant. Panic. My stomach dropped and my soul left my body. I stared at my phone, willing the message to unsend itself through some higher power. At the time it was when we weren't able to unsend or edit texts through iphones. I still went and googled “how to delete a text before someone reads it,” but it was no use. Those cursed three dots appeared. He was typing. A million thoughts raced through my head. Do I own up to it? Do I pretend I was hacked? Do I fake my own death and move to another country? Before I could even come up with something, his reply came through. It was something along the lines of "Oh. I didn’t know you felt that way. Can we meet in person to talk?" Well, there was unfortunately no way out of this one. Long story short, we did talk. Awkwardly, painfully, and surprisingly, productively. Turns out, he had been unsure about how I felt too, and my accidental honesty forced a conversation we probably should have had weeks ago. In the end, we officially started dating. So, I guess you could say technology kind of saved the day? But still, lesson learned, because next time, I might not be so lucky. I now always find myself double-checking who I'm sending messages to.