There has been much talk in the blogosphere about black readers and bloggers. The statics, as I've been exposed to them, would have it that the average black South African doesn't have internet access. Blah. . . .
Most black guys I've spoken to don't know the first thing about blogging, which is why I would agree with Ismail D that a wee bit of education is important. But blogs tend to serve as the backdrop of a brand or something related. So the question of where the black bloggers are proves that guys are unaware of what's happening. The large number of blogs registered daily also makes it almost impossible for a newcomer, without a brand, to be recognized online anyway.
The web is exclusive to an extent and as a result increases the popularity of a few known individuals. It's this unintetional yet significant exclusion that makes all other bloggers, besides the black guys, become part of the background. Nic Haralambous got it right his post when he said we are online professionals neither black nor white.
It is true that some of the most popular blogs are written by white guys, but they've also been exposed to it more than anyone else. Mandy raised a very significant point about this in her post, which began this conversation and I think it should continue.
I'm sure one of many black bloggers, but the blog should speak for itself not my skin colour.
My dream is that one day a person will be judged on their humanity and contribution not their skin colour, that this is even a topic of discussion shows how far we have to go!
ReplyDeleteThat's true Walter, but we're covering ground and can address it effectively.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that I feel that it doesn't need addressing, that it's a non issue.
ReplyDeleteValid point. . . The fact is the web does exclude certain people unintetionally, which is an area that needs addressing. We will soon be making our way into web3.0 without as many people as we can reach.
ReplyDeleteIt's not for everyone though but those who should be online, need to be educated about it.
Thanks for the response and I do understand your point.
ReplyDeleteMy point of difference is that the web doesn't exclude people either intentionally or unintentionally on the basis of race. I just don't believe that race is a determinant.
People exclude themselves because of their own choices, they are free to engage or not as their whim dictates.
I guess the web cannot exclude anybody in and of itself, it is a medium. Media are inert, so it is the bloggers and online gurus(black or white) that should propagate the media and what it's come to represent. However, it's this "Propagation"(a huge chuck of which happens offline) that should be conducted an a non discriminatory and all-inclusive manner.
ReplyDeleteHey man, you make some valid points. But i would like to point out something, exposure to new media is KEY, thats the reason you dont have black faces. To give an example i have been on the internet since iafrica was the only ISP in SA, i was young. I WOULDNT BE where i am today if it had not been for being on the net. I started developing webpages and got hired to do work for people. Had i never been exposed to those technologies i never would have had the access. Now what i am saying is this: The problem is not that people are concsiously trying to exclude, but one of Education & Access so we should make it our DUTY for a better world for all of us to allow as many PEOPLE to make that choice, if they are never exposed to it they never get a chance to make that choice.
ReplyDeleteWalter, "My point of difference is that the web doesn't exclude people either intentionally or unintentionally on the basis of race." I totally agree, however see my previous comment its more of a fact of Exposure/access and education. The question is really... do we as a community DO something about it... or just agree thats how it is and let it slide?
ReplyDeleteIf you let it slide, then i honestly believe its doing more harm then good. See post on my blog, economically it makes no sense.
So lets reframe that, if we would like South Africa to be a serious International Contender on Social Media, Internet & Technology it would be in everyones interest the more people are aware and involved in the industry.
Calibur I agree
ReplyDeleteIsmail - Then do we agree that race is irrelevant it's usage/participation that we need to be looking at?
I honestly believe that the South African preoccupation with race is our hugest Achille's heel.
So lets promote the use of social media, it will pick up everyone.
The other reality is that if you have access to the Internet you are in social media.
The next wave - Mobile!
Thats were we should be focussed - and then race debate - doesn't exist