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Blog post due 11/14

How do these blogs support Black women’s self-acceptance and contribute to potential consumerism and economic pressure?

These blogs create a safe and supportive space where Black women can embrace their natural hair and find products that meet their unique needs. This empowerment and visibility are positive. However, they also promote expensive products, which can create financial strain for women who need these items to properly care for their hair. While these blogs offer a community of support, they sometimes encourage a culture of consumerism, where buying more and more products becomes part of self-care, even if it’s financially difficult.

Why was the “You Can Touch My Hair” event seen as both educational and controversial, and what does this reveal about perceptions of Black hair?

The event aimed to educate people about Black hair textures, inviting people to interact directly, which some saw as a positive, educational experience. However, others found it offensive, feeling it was demeaning to put Black hair on display as if it were a curiosity or novelty. This reaction reveals the ongoing issue of how Black hair and bodies are sometimes treated as “different” or “exotic,” leading to complex feelings about visibility and respect. It shows that even well-meaning events can unintentionally bring up painful memories of being objectified or judged.

Why is it important for online ethnic communities (EOCs) to include the voices of all members, not just the privileged few?

It's important because if only a few privileged people make decisions, the community will not truly represent everyone. Some people, especially those without much access to technology or resources, might be left out. A true community should empower all members, giving them a voice and the chance to be part of the decisions that affect them.

How can online ethnic communities (EOCs) avoid becoming isolated and insular and instead help their members connect with the wider society?

EOCs can avoid isolation by encouraging diverse discussions and being open to different views within the community and the outside world. They should empower their members to engage in more significant social issues, not just internal ones. Doing so can help their members have a more substantial impact on society and make meaningful change.

Lee, L. (2019). Virtual Homeplace: (Re)Constructing the Body through Social Media.

McLaine, S. (2003). Ethnic Online Communities: Between Profit and Purpose.

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Blog post due 11/7

How did the September 11 attacks change the anti-globalization movement, and how did protesters operate?

The September 11 attacks led to the cancellation of major events, including the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF, which were intended to draw protests. While these attacks shifted national security and foreign policy priorities, they did not significantly alter the agenda of the World Bank or the overall anti-globalization movement. Instead, activists adapted their strategies by transitioning from physical protests to online activism. The movement increasingly utilized the internet for communication, education, and mobilization, including the creation of dedicated websites for protests and alternative media platforms like the Independent Media Center. This shift highlights how activists can remain resilient and resourceful in facing external challenges, finding new ways to organize and express dissent while leveraging technology to enhance their visibility and impact.

What problems arise from the digital divide between big companies and activist groups regarding online protests?

The digital divide limits the reach and impact of online protests against corporations like the World Bank. While companies have the resources to manage their online image, activists often lack funding and technology, making online protests harder to organize. Many activists face basic tech challenges, like downloading emails, and rely on tools that may actually support corporate interests. This divide weakens the activist movement, making it harder to challenge corporate narratives or mobilize resistance. It highlights the need for activists to find new ways of digital organizing that don’t depend on corporate platforms.

How does Black Twitter help marginalized voices and show biases in whose stories get the most attention?

Black Twitter is a powerful tool for sharing stories and organizing against injustice, giving marginalized groups a space to be heard. It allows people to rally around shared experiences and push against mainstream biases. However, stories involving Black men facing police violence often get more attention than cases involving Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or immigrants. This reflects broader social biases about who is most “at risk” and whose lives “matter” most in public eyes. Movements like #SayHerName aim to address these gaps, but the unequal focus shows that biases can exist even in spaces built to empower marginalized voices.

Why do social media movements like #BlackLivesMatter bring quick attention but struggle to create lasting change?

Social media movements quickly spread awareness by enabling rapid information sharing and emotional connection with specific cases of injustice. This ability to rally support around a cause, often through viral hashtags, mobilizes protests and public outcry in hours or days, effectively pushing issues into the national conversation. However, because social media is fast-paced and driven by current trends, attention can fade as new topics emerge, leading to what might be called "short-lived moments of resistance." While these moments are powerful for raising awareness, they don’t always lead to long-term, structural change. Additionally, social media’s reliance on “accepted truths” about whose lives are at risk may inadvertently limit the depth and duration of its impact, as some instances or groups receive less attention. The temporary nature of viral content highlights the need for organized, sustained offline efforts to complement social media activism's immediate reach.

Lee, L. (2017). Black Twitter: A response to bias in mainstream media. Social Sciences, 6(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci6010026

Vegh, S. (2007). Cyberprotesting globalization: A case of online activism. Governance and Information Technology, 208–212. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/7473.003.0027

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Blog post due 10/31

Why is it hard to create laws against cyber harassment, and how does the view of free speech affect this?

Creating laws against cyber harassment is challenging because many people believe the Internet should allow all types of speech, even harmful ones. This strong belief in free speech makes lawmakers hesitant to impose any regulations that might limit expression. However, harmful online behaviors, like threats and harassment, can silence victims and prevent them from speaking out. It’s important to recognize that protecting victims from harassment does not mean completely limiting free expression. We can find a balance that allows for free speech while also addressing the serious issues of cyber harassment.

How can Internet companies, parents, and teachers help reduce cyber harassment, and why is this important?

Internet companies can help by creating clear rules and actively monitoring harmful behaviors on their platforms. Parents and teachers are important in educating children about respect and kindness while using the Internet. This collective effort is crucial because laws alone may not be enough to stop harassment. Promoting a culture of respect can help prevent cyber harassment before it starts. Encouraging positive online interactions is essential for creating a safer digital environment.

How do the rules about being real in online communities, like Reddit's IAmA forum, change how people act and show who they are?

The rules about being real in online communities affect how people act and present themselves. In forums like IAmA, where users are expected to share true stories about their lives, many people feel they must be careful about what they say to look trustworthy. This pressure can make users less willing to share their true selves because they want to fit in and be accepted. At the same time, it can make them feel frustrated because they might want to express themselves more freely. This situation creates a conflict between being authentic and putting on a performance, as users try to find a balance between honesty and the desire for approval from others.

How can people who get upset about being tricked, like those who exposed the creator of Grandpa Wiggly, end up behaving like trolls themselves?

When people react strongly to being deceived by harmful things, like exposing someone's private information, they can act like trolls. Even if they believe they are doing the right thing by seeking justice, their actions can hurt others and lead to bullying. This situation is complicated because those who want to correct a wrong might repeat the same bad behavior they are upset about. By targeting the creator of Grandpa Wiggly, they shift the focus from discussing the issue to attacking the person, which goes against the idea of being respectful in the community. This raises important questions about whether it’s right to take matters into your own hands online and highlights the importance of having constructive conversations instead of retaliating. Bergstrom, K. (2011). “Don’t feed the troll”: Shutting down debate about community expectations on Reddit.com. First Monday. https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i8.3498

Citron, D. K. (2014). Hate Crimes in Cyberspace. https://doi.org/10.4159/harvard.9780674735613

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Blog post #7 due 10/17

I named my MapleStory character "Softpearly" because it reflects my soft, bubbly personality, and Pearl is also my middle name. With this avatar, I wanted to create a character that allows me to fully express my personality and style without hiding who I am, so I added the wings and ensured the colors matched the vibe I wanted. Softpearly embodies a lighthearted, whimsical side that enhances the sense of escapism in the game, making it a space where I can fully indulge in fun and fantasy.

My dating game persona on IMVU is named "msivyvo." I chose this name because I wanted to present myself authentically, so I didn’t use an alias. I also selected features for my avatar that closely resemble my real-life appearance. I had no interest in hiding who I am and am proud of my skin color and other features. The clothing reflects my personal style and is something I’d most likely wear in real life. This way, anyone who interacts with me in the game accurately represents who I am.

My Apple iPhone's Bitmoji is an avatar I use regularly to communicate with friends and family in my day-to-day life. When creating it, I focused on making it as authentic as possible by choosing features that closely resemble my real-life appearance. From the hairstyle to the facial features, I wanted the Bitmoji to reflect my true self. This way, when I use it in conversations or reactions, it feels like an extension of my personality and allows me to share a piece of myself in a fun, visual way.

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Blog post #6 due 10/10

How does the Internet both help and harm the spread of white supremacist ideas globally?

The Internet helps spread white supremacist ideas globally by making them easy to access and allowing them to reach a broad audience across different countries. It also creates spaces where people can connect anonymously, which makes it easier for white supremacists to share their beliefs and find others with similar views. However, this global reach also exposes these harmful ideas to people who can challenge and counter them. So, while the Internet amplifies these ideas, it also brings them to light where they can be addressed and criticized.

How might young people’s reliance on the Internet for information impact their understanding of race and civil rights?

Since many young people use the Internet as their primary source of information, they might encounter biased or misleading content about race and civil rights, especially if they come across white supremacist sites disguised as legitimate sources. This could lead them to misunderstand important issues or see all information as equally valid without recognizing credible sources. Young people need strong digital literacy skills to navigate these topics and understand the difference between reliable civil rights information and harmful, biased content.

Why is it important to examine how race influences technology rather than just focusing on access to technology?

Focusing only on who has access to technology, like who can use the internet, overlooks deeper issues about how technology is designed and whom it might harm. For instance, even if everyone has internet access, search engines might still produce racist or sexist results because of the way they’re programmed. By examining how race influences tech design, we can uncover hidden biases and work to prevent technology from reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This approach helps us ensure that technology doesn't just serve some groups better than others but is fair and beneficial to all.

How can social media campaigns, like the one for Trayvon Martin, make a difference in fighting racism?

Social media campaigns can raise awareness and bring people together to fight against racism. For example, when activists used the hashtag #TrayvonMartin, they could share information quickly and gather many voices calling for justice. This online support can lead to real-world actions, like protests and investigations. These campaigns help people understand the issues better and encourage them to take action in their communities.

Benjamin, R. (2020). Race after technology: Abolitionist Tools for the new jim code. Polity.

Daniels, J. (2010). Cyber racism: White supremacy online and the new attack on civil rights. The Journal of Popular Culture, 43(5), 1137–1138. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5931.2010.00790_5.x

Senft, T., & Noble, S. (2014). The Social Media Handbook. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203407615

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Blog post #5 due 10/03

How does "ludo-orientalism" connect games and racial stereotypes about Asian Americans?

Ludo-orientalism connects games to racial stereotypes by illustrating how these games reinforce specific cultural narratives about Asian Americans. For instance, Asian Americans are often depicted as model minorities who succeed through hard work, making them seem like "ideal players" in a fair system. However, they can also be portrayed as threats when they exploit the game's rules. This relationship highlights how the West is seen as a place of fairness and rationality, while the East is viewed as mystical or dangerous. Overall, it reveals the deep connections between games, race, and how Asian Americans are perceived.

How does the portrayal of Asian cultures in Shadow Warrior reflect broader issues of cultural imperialism and racism in video games?

In Shadow Warrior, Asian cultures are portrayed in a superficial, offensive way, reducing them to stereotypes for the entertainment of players. This reflects a broader issue of cultural imperialism, where one culture dominates or misrepresents another. The game turns Asian characters into targets or objects to be destroyed, which parallels historical colonial attitudes where dominant powers dehumanized other cultures. This kind of portrayal reinforces harmful stereotypes and marginalizes minority groups, making it harder for diverse narratives to thrive in gaming.

How do race and identity shape our experiences in cyberspace, and can we really separate our real-life identities from our online ones?

Race and identity greatly influence how we interact online. Even though we might think of cyberspace as a place where we can hide our identities, our real-life experiences and backgrounds still affect how we see ourselves and others. For example, while you might use a different name or avatar online, your experiences as a person of a certain race or gender still inform how you interact with others. So, it's impossible to completely separate our real-life identities from our online ones; they are connected in many ways.

Why is it important to discuss issues of race in relation to cyberspace, and what gaps still exist in our understanding of this topic?

Discussing race in relation to cyberspace is important because the Internet influences how we see ourselves and others and can reinforce or challenge stereotypes. While this collection of essays addresses some of these issues, there are still gaps in our understanding. For example, we need more information on the racial diversity of tech workers and how that affects what we see online. Additionally, we should explore how different groups access technology worldwide, as these factors can impact the overall racial dynamics of cyberspace. By examining these gaps, we can have a more inclusive conversation about race in the digital world.

Fickle, T. (2019). Introduction: Ludo- orientalism and the gamification of Race. The Race Card, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9781479884360.003.0004

Kolko, B. (2000). Race in Cyberspace. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203949696

Ow, J. (2003). The Revenge of the Yellowfaced Cyborg Terminator. The Rape of Digital Geishas and the Colonization of Cyber-Coolies in 3D Realms' Shadow Warrior.

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Blog post #4 due 09/19

How does the history of the black press using new technologies show its ability to adapt and stay relevant?

The black press has always adapted to new technologies to support African American issues. For example, it started with newspapers and then moved to film, radio, and TV. Now, it’s using the Internet. Each time a new technology emerged, the black press used it to reach more people and fight for social justice and cultural promotion. This shows how the black press is good at using new tools to stay effective and important in advocating for African American rights.

How does the idea of coded inequity show that technology isn't as neutral or fair as it seems?

Coded inequity means that technology, like algorithms, can be biased because the people who create it include their ideas and judgments. This makes tech systems reflect and even worsen social inequalities, like racism. For instance, algorithms used for hiring or policing can continue old patterns of discrimination because they use biased data from the past. So, even though technology claims to be fair and objective, it's influenced by the biases of the people who design it, proving it's not truly neutral.

Why is it a problem when private tech companies make decisions that affect everyone, and why should we care?

When private tech companies make decisions that impact everyone’s lives, it becomes a problem because these decisions are often made without public input or oversight. For example, companies like Facebook and Google control much of what happens online and with personal data, but they’re focused on profits, not public good. This lack of accountability can hurt people and create unfair systems, especially for those already vulnerable. That’s why we need to care about how much power these companies have.

How do the examples of biased search results and image tagging show that technology can worsen existing social problems, and why is it important to understand this?

The examples, like Google tagging African Americans as "apes" or showing pornography for searches about "black girls," show that technology can spread and reinforce existing social biases. These aren't just random mistakes; they reveal deeper problems in how technology is designed. It's important to understand this because it shows that the tools we use every day, which we think are neutral, can support harmful stereotypes and social inequality, especially for marginalized groups.

Benjamin, R. (2023). Race after technology. Social Theory Re-Wired, 405–415. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003320609-52

Everett, A. (2002). The revolution will be digitized. Social Text, 20(2), 125–146. https://doi.org/10.1215/01642472-20-2_71-125

Noble, S. U. (2018). Algorithms of oppression. New York University Press.

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Blog Post due 9/12

How does the idea of escaping physical bodies online connect with real-life issues of race and gender, and what are its weaknesses?

The idea of escaping physical bodies online suggests avoiding the usual problems related to race and gender when interacting on the internet. However, this idea has weaknesses because race and gender issues don’t disappear online.

For example, in pro-ana communities, discussions about body image often ignore racial differences, even though race can affect how people experience and talk about eating disorders. Similarly, transgender communities online might find support and resources, but they still face racial biases. This shows that race and gender issues are still present in digital spaces despite the idea that the internet might be where these issues are left behind.

How do people in pro-ana and transgender online communities both challenge and follow traditional gender and racial norms?

People in pro-ana and transgender communities use the internet in ways that both challenge and follow old gender and racial norms.

In pro-ana communities, people share tips and support for eating disorders, which can challenge traditional views by creating a space for discussion. But they also follow harmful standards of beauty, often based on thin, white ideals. This means that while they might challenge some norms, they also reinforce others.

In transgender communities, the internet helps people find information and support for transitioning, which challenges traditional gender norms. However, the available information often reflects existing biases and medical standards, which might not be fully inclusive or supportive. While these online communities can be empowering, they reflect and sometimes reinforce traditional stereotypes.

What happens if we don’t consider race when discussing how the internet affects identity?

If we ignore race when discussing how the internet affects identity, we miss the important aspects of people's experience of digital spaces.

For example, in pro-ana communities, not considering race means missing out on how racial background can influence someone’s experience with eating disorders. In Bryson’s study of transgender communities, not considering race means overlooking how some people face extra challenges or exclusion online because of their race. This shows that understanding race is essential to fully grasp how online spaces work and how they reflect real-world issues.

How do automated systems in social services make life more complicated for poor and working-class communities, and what can we do to make these systems fairer?

Automated systems in social services, like welfare or housing, often make things more difficult for poor and working-class people. These systems use data and algorithms to decide who gets help, but they can be unfair because they are developed by using past information that may be biased against marginalized groups. For example, if certain neighborhoods or groups were mistreated, the system would continue to treat them the same way, labeling them as "risky" or less deserving of help.

These automated systems sometimes make decisions based on patterns in data, which can lead to people being unfairly denied access to resources. It's also hard to challenge these decisions since the systems are sometimes transparent, meaning people can't easily understand or contest why they were denied help.

To make these systems fairer, we must ensure they are transparent and regularly checked for bias. This can be done through audits to see if certain groups are unfairly treated. It’s also essential to involve people from affected communities in designing these systems to meet the real needs of the people using them. Finally, human oversight should be included to ensure decisions are made with care and fairness, not just by a computer.

Daniels, J. (2009). Rethinking cyberfeminism(s): Race, gender, and embodiment. WSQ: Women’s Studies Quarterly, 37(1–2), 101–124. https://doi.org/10.1353/wsq.0.0158

Eubanks, V. (2019). Automating inequality: How high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. Picador, St. Martin’s Press.

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Blog Post due 9/6

How do the Frankfurt School's focus on ideology and the Critical Political Economy of Media/Communication complement each other in analyzing the role of media in society?

The Frankfurt School examines how media shapes our beliefs and keeps existing power structures in place by influencing what we think is normal or acceptable. Meanwhile, the Critical Political Economy of Media/Communication examines how media makes money and supports capitalism by selling ads and turning audiences into products. Combined, these two ideas help us understand how media controls what we think and how it supports a system that benefits the wealthy and powerful.

What is the importance of a critical theory in media in challenging corporate social media and promoting a more democratic internet?

A critical theory of media helps us see how corporate social media is designed to make money rather than serve the public. It shows how these platforms turn our data into products and push ads that reinforce the current system. By understanding that this isn't the only way things have to be, we can start to imagine and work toward a different kind of internet—one owned and controlled by the public, where everyone has a say. This theory gives us the tools to fight for an internet that benefits everyone, not just corporations.

Why is it important to understand the role of ideology in media, and how does it affect our perception of reality?

Understanding ideology in media is crucial because it shapes how we view the world without realizing it. Media often presents the current social and economic system (capitalism) as natural or inevitable, making it seem like there are no alternatives. This reinforces existing power structures by encouraging people to accept things as they are instead of questioning or challenging them. When we recognize the influence of ideology, we can critically evaluate the media and be more aware of how it affects our beliefs and actions.

How have government support and rules shaped media growth in the U.S., and why does this matter today?

Government support and rules have been necessary for building the media in the U.S. From the start, things like cheaper postal rates for newspapers, government funding for new technologies (like radio and the internet), and creating agencies like the FCC helped media grow and reach more people. These policies made media a powerful tool for communication, advertising, and shaping the country.

This matters today because it shows that media didn’t grow just because of business competition but also because of government help. The choices made by political leaders in the past led to the big corporate media we see now. Knowing this helps us understand how new rules—like those about net neutrality, privacy, and internet access—still shape how we get information and who controls it. Understanding the past helps us figure out how to handle today’s media challenges.

Gonzalez, J., & Torres, J. (2021). News for all the people. Power and Inequality, 223–231. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315201511-28

Fuchs, C. (2014). Social Media: A Critical Introduction. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446270066

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Blog Post due 8/30

The time when technology failed me

During the summer of 2020, when COVID-19 was at its peak, I wanted to do something different. As a big introvert who loves eating and watching other people's streams on Twitch, starting a new hobby is an excellent idea since I have always been interested in the streaming world. When I first started streaming, I thought Mukbang ASMR would be a fun and easy concept, not knowing the risks that it comes with. After a few Twitch streams, there was one day that changed my life forever. Within the first half hour of streaming, after promoting my live stream on Instagram and Twitter, I noticed random people started commenting my home address, all my family contact information, and other personal information. This is when I discovered what doxxing was. Although I had a deep interest in this community, I have never felt so unsafe and violated in my life. Shortly after having my information disclosed, I immediately ended my stream, and I had to reevaluate my decision when I found this was common within this niche. Since then, I have taken a step back from the Twitch community and am still hesitant to continue my old hobby.