Last week, I read a paper ("Erasing @race") by Beth Kolko that talked about the absence of race in cyberspace. She seemed interested in finding out what race's place (if any) in cyberspace was, and examined both its exclusion in online games, and the ramifications of importance/use of its inclusion.
This week, I read an article by Guillermo Gómez-Peña talking about the presence (or absence) of Latino people in cyberspace. Gómez-Peña seems to agree with Kolko, that there is a lack of racial representation in cyberspace. Unlike Kolko, Gómez-Peña is interested in exploring use of technology in 'cultural, political, and aesthetic' ways. Gómez-Peña sees a great opportunity to use technology to educate and preserve a culture, and as a platform for art (cultural or otherwise) to be created and shared. He also seems concerned with stereo-types applied to his culture as being unable to grasp modern (high) technology.
I think that there is an absence of race online. I don't know that this is a bad thing. It seems that most forums online where you might want to express race provide an avenue for you to do so, via an avatar or even your nickname if it is that important for you to express. As with almost every website membership you have online, there really isn't a mechanism in place to verify what race you are. This lack of verification may devalue the expression of race. Race in real life is something that can't be chosen, and it can't be conveniently changed. I do agree with Gómez-Peña in that 'high technology' provides some great outlets for expression of art and culture.
A lot of his concerns echo the concerns of many minorities in America. The internet is a global entity and a lot of the countries that dont have widespread access to it are going to seem like minorities in that space.
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About Me
- dinjas
- Vancouver, WA, United States
- Computer Science student at Washington State University in Vancouver, WA
4 comments:
I like (and agree) with your comment about how in real life, race cannot be chosen, or changed. Therefore, the question becomes, why should it have those options for online identities? However, I do think that there is a difference when one is speaking to someone in person versus via online forums. In person, one has the advantage of being able to see "you" as you really are... no changes like, "I'm 5'9", 110 lbs, with super long legs, and am the sexiest thing you ever saw", option that may influence how people converse with you. However, I do think that there is a design issue when it comes to race representation online.
I do believe that there is a flaw in the design of online interfaces that do not have a place to "pick your race" (or write a bit about yourself where you could include your race), just because I think that it should be an option for those who want to express it. Just like there is a space for those to express their religious, or political views. Like you said, the fact that there is no option to "choose your race", might, "devalue the expression of race".
I liked what you said "if there is no option to choose your race then it can devalue the expression of race". I also agree with the point jkrenzel is making about there being a "flaw in the design of online interfaces" in that a person can choose to "express their religious and political views", yet there is nothing about race.
On the other hand, in terms of the internet, is it really necessary for someone to state their identity when images can represent their identity itself. Websites such as Flickr, Myspace, Facebook all allow a person to post photos of themself among other things, so does race really need to be stated?
I can't really say much about identities in gaming since I lack experience in that department.
I like how you said that you can't chose your race. Not everyone is Michael Jackson and can change their race midway through life. And like you said if someone is concerned about representing their race, they can do so through their avatar or screenname. I like how you also said that the minorities online aren't necessary because of race but because of access. I think that is why there isn't anybody from Subsaharan Africa on MUG.
I like your comments on both pieces Jason. I have the same sort of thoughts about being the race we are and the inability to change it, so why would people feel the need to just because they are now in an online community? If anything, it seems like people have a tendency to embrace their cultures more online and represent their heritage on some different extremes. It's kind of funny when you take a look at different outlets of multimedia whether it MySpace or XBox live gaming or whatever it may be. From my own personal experiences, I have found a lot of people trying to incorporate heritage related tidbits in their personal information, sometimes almost making a mockery of it. I do agree that there is some sort of gap in technology from culture to culture though; that's undeniable.
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