Do less blacks than their fellow white Americans use the web? According to the Pew Study on Internet Usage , the answer is yes, but this study is also quick to point out that it’s not merely color, it’s a mixture of things. However, according to Leonce Gaiter , author of Is the Web too Cool for Blacks, “the web mocks…our fundamental beliefs, our core desires. (p 643)'; Gaiter flatly states that the majority of white Americans have an ignorance for black culture. He does not take the time to address the other legitimate reasons accounting for the black deficiency, but continues to rattle on about prejudice and racism, not even stopping to document proper sources.
Have morals and values changed in America and left blacks behind? According to Gaiter, the web can’t help us achieve our ‘50’s and ‘60’s ideals (p 643).'; Blacks still want the traditional “American Dream.'; Well, what is the “traditional'; American Dream? Perhaps, the dream is to have a nice car and house, and a good job. But in contrast to Gaiter, I believe that these are the same things we want today. Nothing has changed except for the fact that entrepreneurs have emerged with the growth of the Web. People are finding ways to make money from avenues they never dreamed of. The “American Dream'; as we know it has not vanished or been left behind, it has simply been revised to include family time and personal goals.
Although racism has decreased in society today, it still is a threat to getting people on the Web. Nowadays, blacks are not the only one being discriminated against-it’s all minorities. In studies conducted, of the online community, only 23% are non-white. Because of this, non-whites are uncomfortable with the fact that they may converse with those who under normal circumstances would show prejudice against them. President Clinton stated that his goal was to have a computer in every home by the end of his term. But how many people will want to access the web if it is considered “white?'; Gaiter stated that the web is considered “white'; and therefore people stay away to avoid trouble, even if they are offered the opportunity.
The only problem that Leonce Gaiter did not fully address is economics. With the amount of people on government assistance growing everyday, economics poses as a big problem. Studies have shown that of the majority of those who do not use the web at least 35% were at an economic disadvantage.
Through the course of change in the world- either through prosperity, capitalism or greed- people have lost focus with the real meaning of 'the American dream'. It is no longer the gamely aspirations of living life to the fullest, providing a better life for yourself and or others; instead, a pursuit for those materialistic aspects in life.
...lues of Black America seem to be coming from the group less likely to foster healthy values: ghetto Black America. One must understand my usage of "ghetto Black Americans" in contrast to lower class Black Americans. You have poor people who work hard every day and still find it hard to make ends meet, they aspire for more, they want their kids to have more and they still instill values of respect and hard work in their children. Ghetto Black America is the total opposite, it is not just an economic status but a culture replete with its own lingo, values and propaganda: rap. Several rappers estow the values of that culture by promoting ignorance, eschewing education, misygony, and constant usage of terms like "baby mama" that epitomize the destruction of the black family. It is so pervasive that terms like 'baby mammas" have become every day words in our vocabulary.
Racism and discrimination continue to be a prevalent problem in American society. Although minorities have made significant strides toward autonomy and equality, the images in media, specifically television, continue to misrepresent and manipulate the public opinion of blacks. It is no longer a blatant practice upheld by the law and celebrated with hangings and beatings, but instead it is a subtle practice that is perceived in the entertainment and media industries. Whether it’s appearing in disparaging roles or being negatively portrayed in newscasts, blacks continue to be the victims of an industry that relies on old ideas to appeal to the majority. The viscous cycle that is the unconscious racism of the media continues to not only be detrimental to the white consumers, who base what they know about blacks by what is represented in television, but also the black consumers, who grow up with a false sense of identity.
Weblining is tracking web user’s information when using the internet, the information that is taken is then used to try to sell items to the user. Carr informs readers on how weblining works: “Already, advertisers are able to infer extremely personal details about people by monitoring their Web-browsing habits. They can then use that knowledge to create ad campaigns customized to particular individuals” (541). This is a method companies use to get their products seen. For example, when one is researching for the latest weight loss product, when that individual goes on another web site they will notice tons of ads about weight loss programs and products. Although this may seem like a great thing because these ads make the individual to research more about the products however, weblining can have a negative outcome. Andrews explain to readers that just because of your race, zip code and the web pages you visit you can: “You might be refused health insurance based on a Google search you did about a medical condition. You might be shown a credit card with a lower credit limit, not because of your credit history, but because of your race, sex or ZIP code or the types of Web sites you visit” (553). Andrews remind readers that weblining takes away opportunities and privileges simply because of the color of your skin, where you live, and what you research
In 1931 when the American Dream arose, Americans believed that the harder one worked, the more one would prosper (Meacham, 2012). In other words, they strongly believed that the American Dream was gaining a better, richer, happier life. Today, the American Dream is still hoping to earn a college degree, get a good job, buy a house, and start a family, but according to MetLife’s fifth annual survey, 41% of the respondents said it was about personal fulfillment, while most American’s say it is out of reach for many (White, ...
The American dream has changed between the 1950s and 2015 as the industrial revolution changed everyday life for a the 1950s society as households changed due to dual income families were able to live with the luxurious homes and appliances. These ideal ways of living forced upon men and women with crass consumerism ran rampant like the bubonic plague in the fourteenth century. Having generations for people being socialized to be humanistic and greedy and to throw out the community structure of society the extent of social interactions between others is to gloat or gain joy from having more than others. Now we in present day these humanistic principals are magnified times one thousand millennial are expected by society to hike up a mountain during a avalanche the mountain is just schooling to get a job the pays well we get an education not because we want to be desperately what to be accepted into society
At the end of the NPR article they discuss the problem between keeping television shows diverse, “without amplifying the problems of stereotyping and prejudice” (Feld). Television shows feel that in order to a successful show with diversity, the people need to be cast-typed or take on every stereotype that is associated with that particular race or gender. The Erigha article discusses how, “many of actors were type-casted, or put in racialized roles, that fit their ethnicity” and some of these people do not necessarily fit that type, “they used Asian Actors as an example, many of the actors that were born in America, were asked to speak in a Chinese accent.”
Despite many progressive changes, racism is still a major issue. No one is born racist, racism is taught and it is taught in popular culture. Younger generations are exposed to racism through popular culture; one of the many mediums in which racial stereotypes are still supported. Matt Seitz, in his article, “The Offensive Movie Cliche That Won’t Die” claims that metaphorically, in popular culture cinema, African-Americans are mentors of a white hero, but beneath the surface, it is racially offensive towards these mentors because they are still considered servants of whites. Michael Omi, in “In Living Color: Race and American Culture” adds to the claim of Seitz that racial issues in our society brought on by the media and popular culture. He
The founding fathers stated, “Men believed people inherently possessed the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, as time moved on people became more materialist and cared about appearance. Many factor have changed the perspective of the American Dream. Three major factors were WII, Baby Boomers, mass construction of suburban homes. Previously, people aspired to have a nice house in the suburban with a couple of cars. Although, the American Dream has changed over time, it is still relevant and obtainable as exemplified in the life of Frederick Douglass and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Tyler, R. T. (2002). Is the Internet Changing Social Life? Journal of Social Issues, 58 (1), 195-205.
The Internet distributes more information than any other medium in the world. There are several problems that have emerged along with the Internet, “As soon as the public began to use the Internet, people began to express concern about its use” (Clark 1). Some groups feel that the World Wide Web is dangerous because of it’s open accessibility, whereas other groups see that the Internet is something that can be used to share knowledge globally. The Internet should not be censored because censorship would restrict Americans’ first amendment rights; regulations have been tried and have failed in the past, and there are better methods of education and protection than censorship.
Levine, S. B. (1990). THE STANDARDS OF CARE FOR GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS. HARRY BENJAMIN INTERNATIONAL GENDER DYSPHORIA ASSOCIATION.
Preves, Ph.D., Sharon E. "Intersex Narratives: Gender, Medicine, and Identity." Gender, Sex, and Sexuality. New York: Oxford University, 2009. 32-42. Print.
Baldwin shows that although the nation was celebrating freedom and independence, African Africans still faced racism and did not get the same opportunities as Caucasians (Baldwin 1). Today, this unequal opportunity is seen through many Americans especially ones of low social status. Many Americans seek economic opportunity that can raise them to success, but many countries fare better than America in social mobility such as Denmark (Wilkinson 3). Baldwin’s message still resonates in modern day society as many people, because of their economic status, lack the ability of economic and social mobility and better opportunity for themselves and family. The American Dream is seen as hard work and initiative will ultimately lead to financial wealth. This “rags to riches” ideal is becoming more of a dream as the U.S. is dealing with less opportunity for people of low economic and social status. While the American Dream is difficult to obtain for people of low socioeconomic status, it is easier to obtain for people of higher socioeconomic status and
My father was always there for me, whether I wanted him to be or not. Most of the time, as an adolescent trying to claim my independence, I saw this as a problem. Looking back I now realize it was a problem every child needs, having a loving father. As hard as I tried to fight it, my dad instilled in me the good values and work ethic to be an honest and responsible member of society. He taught me how to be a good husband. He taught me how to be a good father. He taught me how to be a man. It has been 18 years since my father’s death, and I am still learning from the memories I have of him.