Hey Verity
Just wondered which reading you chose for week 9?
Thanks!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Menu-driven Identities
Lisa Nakamura argues that cybertyping forces us to choose our race from a list of defined categories. While this may be true in some portals, I think that this is an outdated perspective. Email is not the only aspect of the Internet to privilege cultural affinity over biology.
One example that most of us would be familiar with is Facebook. It allows you to add many applications and join multiple groups. You could thus create a hybrid identity for yourself of different races, and even include age, gender or location.
Digital literacy also allows us to create hybrid identities when, for example, searching Google. By using the correct search terms, you could find a specific identity. Alternatively, you could conduct multiple searches and synthesise the information in a way appropriate to your identity. These are just some of the challenges to menu-driven identities...
One example that most of us would be familiar with is Facebook. It allows you to add many applications and join multiple groups. You could thus create a hybrid identity for yourself of different races, and even include age, gender or location.
Digital literacy also allows us to create hybrid identities when, for example, searching Google. By using the correct search terms, you could find a specific identity. Alternatively, you could conduct multiple searches and synthesise the information in a way appropriate to your identity. These are just some of the challenges to menu-driven identities...
Tute 7: “Ruminations on Cyber-Race” Summary and Questions
Jerry Kang’s article, “Ruminations on Cyber-Race”, explores three potential ways of dealing with the construction of race in cyberspace. The article defines race as a social construction which is further complicated when it is represented in cyberspace (also a social construction). Kang’s article begins with a disturbing anecdote, in which he chose a black avatar in an online game and was subjected to a wave of racial slurs and hatred, highlights the existence of racism in virtual environments and leads neatly to Kang’s first area of exploration-the abolition of race in cyberspace.
The article discusses the concept of abolishing race and racial identification in cyberspace as a means of eliminating racism and subconscious racial prejudice. However Kang goes on to argue that such a move (which is highly unlikely) is insulting and damaging to those who identify themselves through their race. Asking people to silence their race is in turn asking them to silence a part of who they are.
The second option explored is that of integration, which Kang treats with relative optimism. The article discusses the potential for cyberspace to break down geographical and racial barriers. Kang notes that within virtual communities, people are drawn together by a common interest. He states “In real space, because residential segregation cuts across income, rich white folks do not live next door to rich black folks. In cyberspace both groups will congregate in virtual communities”. Although he is opposed to the silencing of race in cyberspace, Kang proposes that participants in online communities do not initially disclose their race-in turn minimizing racial assumptions and presumably fostering interaction between members of different races.
The third approach, transmutation, encourages members of virtual communities to adopt a different racial representation as a way of challenging racial constructs. This approach could be beneficial as it could provide users with an insight into prejudices faced by members of a different race (as evidenced in Kang’s online gaming anecdote). Conversely, however it could prove detrimental as ignorant users may enforce prevalent racial prejudices and stereotypes. Kang comments “I might intentionally play Amos & Andy-like blackface, acting as an ignorant buffoon speaking “jive”.
Cyberspace can facilitate interracial interaction however Kang’s article highlights that isolating racial prejudices and stereotypes of the real world from virtual environments is a complex task to which there is no one set answer.
Questions:
Do you believe that racism is more overt in virtual environments rather than the real world? Why do/don’t you think this is so?
To what extent would withholding ones racial identity assist in the interaction between different races?
Of the three approaches outlined in Kang’s article which do you believe would be the most effective in minimizing racial prejudice and facilitating interracial interaction?
The article discusses the concept of abolishing race and racial identification in cyberspace as a means of eliminating racism and subconscious racial prejudice. However Kang goes on to argue that such a move (which is highly unlikely) is insulting and damaging to those who identify themselves through their race. Asking people to silence their race is in turn asking them to silence a part of who they are.
The second option explored is that of integration, which Kang treats with relative optimism. The article discusses the potential for cyberspace to break down geographical and racial barriers. Kang notes that within virtual communities, people are drawn together by a common interest. He states “In real space, because residential segregation cuts across income, rich white folks do not live next door to rich black folks. In cyberspace both groups will congregate in virtual communities”. Although he is opposed to the silencing of race in cyberspace, Kang proposes that participants in online communities do not initially disclose their race-in turn minimizing racial assumptions and presumably fostering interaction between members of different races.
The third approach, transmutation, encourages members of virtual communities to adopt a different racial representation as a way of challenging racial constructs. This approach could be beneficial as it could provide users with an insight into prejudices faced by members of a different race (as evidenced in Kang’s online gaming anecdote). Conversely, however it could prove detrimental as ignorant users may enforce prevalent racial prejudices and stereotypes. Kang comments “I might intentionally play Amos & Andy-like blackface, acting as an ignorant buffoon speaking “jive”.
Cyberspace can facilitate interracial interaction however Kang’s article highlights that isolating racial prejudices and stereotypes of the real world from virtual environments is a complex task to which there is no one set answer.
Questions:
Do you believe that racism is more overt in virtual environments rather than the real world? Why do/don’t you think this is so?
To what extent would withholding ones racial identity assist in the interaction between different races?
Of the three approaches outlined in Kang’s article which do you believe would be the most effective in minimizing racial prejudice and facilitating interracial interaction?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Computer Joke!
Hey all!
I jus was sent this email joke about computers, and considering how we talked about embodied computers last week.. just thought I'd share this. Haha :)
(I hope this is allowed!)
-
A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English,nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.' 'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups ,male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computers should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computa dora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!)
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computa dor'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.
The women won. (:
-
Have a great week ahead ya'll!
I jus was sent this email joke about computers, and considering how we talked about embodied computers last week.. just thought I'd share this. Haha :)
(I hope this is allowed!)
-
A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English,nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.' 'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups ,male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computers should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computa dora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!)
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computa dor'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.
The women won. (:
-
Have a great week ahead ya'll!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Hong Kong Cyberculture: A Case Study by Amy Lai Tak-yee
i will be discussing Amy Lai Tak-yee's essay on cyberculture in Hong Kong, as examined through the online community 'ICERED'.
Tak-yee presents a compelling argument about how users of ICERED were able to voice racist, sexist and homophobic ideals, commonly to the point of blatant slander and abuse, because of its nature as a virtual space. The concept of 'cyber-democracy' is explored in regards to the idea of freedom of speech - which the creators of ICERED (Tim Lam and Kenny Lam) advocated.
"Your English Sucks" explored the fact that in Hong Kong, being able to express oneself eloquently in English indicated their higher education and social background. There was a focus in this section on whether individual IceRedders were 'local' or 'not local', with 'not local' being synonymous with having a higher intellect. This section demonstrates the marginalization in ICERED in regards to class.
The section titled "The Unbearable White-ness of ICERED" flagged the fact that Hong Kong is "not a very racist place in the sense of the whites, who are regarded as more superior", however, racist rantings are indeed found in ICERED. The author argues that this may be due to the fact that ICERED is an English-language site. I found the argument put forward by IceRedder 'RATMAN' regarding the peripheral vision of the Chinese absolutely ludicrous, and a perfect illustration of the narrow-mindedness of individuals. Tak-yee's argument is that race is able to be conveyed to the virtual world because an individuals perspective on racial issues will more often than not indicate their race. For example, RATMAN is assumed to be a white racist.
Sexism also exists within ICERED, highlighted in the thread "Men are after sex, women, after money." It is my opinion that the anonymity of the virtual world allows sexism to flow more readily, as individuals are not held back by the restraints of social etiquette, and instead allowed to take a leaf out of RATMAN's book, and engage in ridiculously offensive arguments, often without any actual evidence to back up their claims (such as his claim that Chinese women have the lowest IQ of any other Asian country).
The third issue dealt with in this article is that of homophobia on ICERED, as shown through the thread "Homosexual on ICERED". Claims that homosexuals 'harm our children' and are 'sick' or 'sordid' indicate the ignorance of homophobes. ICERED did not censor discussions on homosexuality, and allowed discussions such as that of 'E-rayzor' on 'rimming'.
i agree with Tak-yee's idea that marginalization occurs online like it does offline. The fact that people are able to hide their identities means that they do not have to take responsibility for their opinions, and therefore are more free to express their racist, sexist, or homophobic attitudes to the point of obnoxiousness.
Finally, the ICERED article illustrates the fact that events in the virtual world can impact the real world. Examples of this include voting of actual people for titles such as "party animal of Hong Kong", "Most Eligable Banker" and "Most Beautiful Woman in Central." Also, there are examples of individuals in the virtual world organising get togethers for other virtual participants in the actual world, meaning that online 'celebrities' can meet their online 'fans' outside the constraints of ICERED.
All in all, i think that Tak-yee presents a compelling argument on how marginalization exists in the virtual world, through the use of ICERED as a microchasm. The sexist, racist and homophobic hostilities present within this online community indicate that the virtual world cannot be entirely seperated from the actual world, as personal views of class, and race, as well as background and education all contribute to how one presents themselves and their ideas in online communites.
Tak-yee presents a compelling argument about how users of ICERED were able to voice racist, sexist and homophobic ideals, commonly to the point of blatant slander and abuse, because of its nature as a virtual space. The concept of 'cyber-democracy' is explored in regards to the idea of freedom of speech - which the creators of ICERED (Tim Lam and Kenny Lam) advocated.
"Your English Sucks" explored the fact that in Hong Kong, being able to express oneself eloquently in English indicated their higher education and social background. There was a focus in this section on whether individual IceRedders were 'local' or 'not local', with 'not local' being synonymous with having a higher intellect. This section demonstrates the marginalization in ICERED in regards to class.
The section titled "The Unbearable White-ness of ICERED" flagged the fact that Hong Kong is "not a very racist place in the sense of the whites, who are regarded as more superior", however, racist rantings are indeed found in ICERED. The author argues that this may be due to the fact that ICERED is an English-language site. I found the argument put forward by IceRedder 'RATMAN' regarding the peripheral vision of the Chinese absolutely ludicrous, and a perfect illustration of the narrow-mindedness of individuals. Tak-yee's argument is that race is able to be conveyed to the virtual world because an individuals perspective on racial issues will more often than not indicate their race. For example, RATMAN is assumed to be a white racist.
Sexism also exists within ICERED, highlighted in the thread "Men are after sex, women, after money." It is my opinion that the anonymity of the virtual world allows sexism to flow more readily, as individuals are not held back by the restraints of social etiquette, and instead allowed to take a leaf out of RATMAN's book, and engage in ridiculously offensive arguments, often without any actual evidence to back up their claims (such as his claim that Chinese women have the lowest IQ of any other Asian country).
The third issue dealt with in this article is that of homophobia on ICERED, as shown through the thread "Homosexual on ICERED". Claims that homosexuals 'harm our children' and are 'sick' or 'sordid' indicate the ignorance of homophobes. ICERED did not censor discussions on homosexuality, and allowed discussions such as that of 'E-rayzor' on 'rimming'.
i agree with Tak-yee's idea that marginalization occurs online like it does offline. The fact that people are able to hide their identities means that they do not have to take responsibility for their opinions, and therefore are more free to express their racist, sexist, or homophobic attitudes to the point of obnoxiousness.
Finally, the ICERED article illustrates the fact that events in the virtual world can impact the real world. Examples of this include voting of actual people for titles such as "party animal of Hong Kong", "Most Eligable Banker" and "Most Beautiful Woman in Central." Also, there are examples of individuals in the virtual world organising get togethers for other virtual participants in the actual world, meaning that online 'celebrities' can meet their online 'fans' outside the constraints of ICERED.
All in all, i think that Tak-yee presents a compelling argument on how marginalization exists in the virtual world, through the use of ICERED as a microchasm. The sexist, racist and homophobic hostilities present within this online community indicate that the virtual world cannot be entirely seperated from the actual world, as personal views of class, and race, as well as background and education all contribute to how one presents themselves and their ideas in online communites.
Workshop Four: Menu driven Identities
2. These profiles emphasis the ‘hard’ facts about someone, a photo, their age, location, height/weight, ethnic background and smoking and drinking habits. There’s only a brief quote at the top, to give the reader any indication whatsoever of the personality of the person behind the profile, the rest is purely someone’s physical characteristics as if that’s all that matters for both the reader and all the user who made the profile, when they are looking for a date. Despite being an online dating service, Lavalife still treat physical prowess as singles’ priority, with more abstract concerns (such as personality) that are difficult to place into a drop-down menu secondary.
4. While I’m not sure whether any of these websites are inherently racist, I do think that race is certainly a neglected issue. For example take Second life, its “default” avatars are severely restricted. I think this limitation, is more based on individuality in general, rather than racism in particular. SecondLife works on the basis that you have to buy or create your way to being an actual individual, rather then giving them to you, increasing the amount of time you will play, and your attachment to your characters, rather then a deliberate 'othering' of any minority group.
4. While I’m not sure whether any of these websites are inherently racist, I do think that race is certainly a neglected issue. For example take Second life, its “default” avatars are severely restricted. I think this limitation, is more based on individuality in general, rather than racism in particular. SecondLife works on the basis that you have to buy or create your way to being an actual individual, rather then giving them to you, increasing the amount of time you will play, and your attachment to your characters, rather then a deliberate 'othering' of any minority group.
Interesting videos....JenniCAM
Hi guys
Thought i'd put this link up for you to check out about JenniCAM.
It is an interview with David Letterman
Jennifer Ringley says, "it is real life" and "if i weren't normal then it wouldn't be as interesting." I thought this was quite bizarre - when thinking about the type of person Jenni would be i presumed that she would be a bit 'out there' and not the normal 22 year old woman. When you watch this interview you will see how normal she is. In this way I believe that she cannot be criticized for putting her life into the public sphere. She had control over everything she was doing and was aware of the camers. I therefore agree with Verity - i think that inorder for it to be classified as 'surveillance' she would need not to know about the cameras.
I had a thought while reading the article...do you think that it would have been as popular if it was a man on JenniCAM as the central figure? If this is not so does this mean that the public only value women as sex symbols or as something to look at but not to value?
Thought i'd put this link up for you to check out about JenniCAM.
It is an interview with David Letterman
Jennifer Ringley says, "it is real life" and "if i weren't normal then it wouldn't be as interesting." I thought this was quite bizarre - when thinking about the type of person Jenni would be i presumed that she would be a bit 'out there' and not the normal 22 year old woman. When you watch this interview you will see how normal she is. In this way I believe that she cannot be criticized for putting her life into the public sphere. She had control over everything she was doing and was aware of the camers. I therefore agree with Verity - i think that inorder for it to be classified as 'surveillance' she would need not to know about the cameras.
I had a thought while reading the article...do you think that it would have been as popular if it was a man on JenniCAM as the central figure? If this is not so does this mean that the public only value women as sex symbols or as something to look at but not to value?
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