2008 September

From the monthly archives: September 2008

diversity and the web

on September 18, 2008 · No Comments

I don’t think that I’m the only African-American edublogger but I have noticed that racial diversity is lacking in the ’sphere. Am I wrong? If not, what are the reasons? What are the implications (for the web community, students, and other stakeholders)? Courtesy of Diversity 2.5.1 (BETA)? (Comic) Diversity isn’t only lacking within educational blogging, [...]

I don’t think that I’m the only African-American edublogger but I have noticed that racial diversity is lacking in the ’sphere. Am I wrong? If not, what are the reasons? What are the implications (for the web community, students, and other stakeholders)? Courtesy of Diversity 2.5.1 (BETA)? (Comic)

Diversity isn’t only lacking within educational blogging, but within the web as a whole. As technology continues to go mainstream, we are faced with new complexities to stagnant issues of racism, classism, ageism and so forth. These isms are taking new shape and being forced to face new challenges with the increased presence of the web.

Today it is expected that you will find a job, apply for college, do research, and connect with your friends all through virtual means, but what if you don’t have a computer or even have access to one? What if you don’t have broadband (p.s. that’s a bigger issue in and of itself)? What if you’re a school with limited resources and outdated technology?

What are the implications (for the web community, students, and other stakeholders)?

A voice isn’t being heard.

Today, more then ever, the web is about conversations and community, but what if the community is missing a potentially powerful member? There are voices waiting to be heard and stories needing to be told. This is occurring in our communities, schools, cities and towns as well as across the world in Africa and a multitude of other countries without the means to participate in the conversation.

Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) is just one example of an organization offering access to their community. They are providing the resources to learn, understand and engage through technical means of communication that would otherwise be out of reach.

For those of us who live our lives wrapped up in technology it’s easy to forget that there is an increasing digital divide that is leaving many in its wake. As a blogger, a social media enthusiastic and a humanitarian it is my responsibly to ensure that everyone has a voice. As the web continues to integrate into our lives I challenge you to be an advocate for the collective conversation not only including those who have the means, but everyone who has a voice.

the media takes politics hollywood

on September 17, 2008 · No Comments

With the election less than two months away it’s hard to ignore the constant political chatter on NPR. I like NPR and BBC radio. They are honest – and while the news may not always be promising, it’s truthful. It’s probably wrong to want to ignore such a prominent event as the upcoming election. However, [...]

It’s probably wrong to want to ignore such a prominent event as the upcoming election. However, it’s the politics of this particular election and the media’s role in perpetuating sexism, ignorance and Hollywood glam that makes me want to hole myself up for the next two months, hold my breath and hope for the best.

When did a presidential campaign turn into a never-ending episode of Entertainment Tonight?

The media frenzy surrounding Sarah Palin is sickening. If one based all their information on the mainstream media, then you wouldn’t even know that John McCain was running for President anymore. In fact, I had to laugh, in a “oh-you-have-to-be-kidding-me” kind of way, when I saw Obama and Palin’s pictures side by side on the front page of the Boston Globe, with McCain nowhere to be found.

I’m just as politically opinionated as the next, but this particular rant isn’t about imposing my political views (though I am a devote Barack Obama supporter). Consider this a plea to take a moment and think. Whether you’re conservative, liberal or adamantly in between, ask yourself why Palin’s fanfare is equatable to that of Lindsay Lohen. I’m all for the trashy magazine while sitting in the doctor’s office or on the train, but I’d simply prefer not to see a Vice Presidential candidate gracing the cover of US Weekly next to the Olsen Twins.

freedom of expression in the middle east

on September 16, 2008 · No Comments

The web continues to enable people, organizations and efforts from around the world to radiate change in unprecedented and increasingly innovative ways. MideastYouth.com is no exception. Esra’a Al Shafei of Bahrain, the 21-year-old director of the student-owned MideastYouth.com, recently spoke about MideastYouth as part of the Digital Natives project’s “Digital Natives Reporters in the Field” [...]

The mission of MideastYouth is “to inspire and provide young people with the freedom and opportunity of expression, and facilitate a fierce but respectful dialogue among the highly diverse youth of all sects, socio-economic backgrounds, and political and religious beliefs in the Middle East.” MideastYouth.com fights for social change with podcasts, blogs, social networks, and online video (courtesy of Digital Natives).

Listen to the complete Digital Natives podcast here.

calling all cambridge citizen journalists

on September 14, 2008 · No Comments

Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) is now accepting applications for its NeighborMedia program. NeighborMedia shares stories, reports issues and offers insight all through the lens of both local residents and journalists embedded in the various zip codes across the City of Cambridge. To learn more please contact Colin Rhinesmith, Community Media Coordinator