I have not had much experience with non-english languages on the internet, nor have I have given much thought to the fact that the internet appears to be mainly written in English. However, I found Baym’s assertion that the predominance of the english language to be “further colonization of poor nations by those with greater wealth” to be a very interesting perspective (Baym, 70.) The internet is a great way to spread knowledge and information around the world, but sometimes we forget that many do not have access to the internet. Does this mean that they don’t have access to the same knowledge that others do? The answer to that question is yes. These poorer nations are now being left out of the world in an even larger way than before, while wealthier nations are moving ahead at an increasingly fast pace. This situation can lead to an larger socio-economic divide. Before I read this chapter, though, it was not something I had ever thought about before.
Another interesting chunk of knowledge from this chapter was that online female gaming avatars sell for 10% less than male avatars. This was such a small piece of information, but I think it speaks volumes of sexism in the gaming industry. I do not play online games, but I do play games for the Playstation and XBox. I have always noticed that female gaming characters are often portrayed in skimpy clothing and are generally not featured as the lead character. Often they are regulated to supporting players or victims.Even in games in which females can be used as the main character, they are usually not featured on the advertisements. The fact that evenly matched female avatars sell for less than their male equivalents is a disturbing fact.
Finally, I found the information about “flaming” to be some of the most interesting material in this chapter. I do not participate in online message boards nor do I ever comment on articles on the internet. One of the most entertaining things, though, is how heated the debates between different responders can become. I often think that these people, who are cursing at and demeaning others online, would not often be the kinds of people to speak like this to strangers in the real world. The anonymity of the internet does allow for people to act in ways that would not be allowed in face to face situations.
I noticed the same thing about the female avatars and I thought that comment spoke to sexism too. I never heard or thought of flaming before I read this chapter and I agree debates have been known to become heated. I thing this is so because people do not have debates where they agree to disagree they feel that someone has to be right.
It is true that countries with lower economic standing are less likely to have less access to the internet, and therefore, less information. However, the good news is that wireless internet is relatively easy and cheap to establish. If they can plant a tower, then residents can get internet. Its also true that those with lower income are more likely to access the net with a mobile device than a traditional laptop or desktop computer. Since mobiles are easier to afford (bulk of the device’s cost built into monthly plan) then we may be approaching a time when wealth is no longer a barrier to internet access.
I remember reading an article a few years ago that mentioned the installation of phone lines and networking in African countries. They actually had an advantage starting fresh; innovative technology didn’t have to retrofit existing infrastructure. There were no landlines to retrofit and new start-up mobile networks could hypothetically be more flexible; they could adapt & customize their technology as necessary. For example: besides connectivity, mobile phones could be used as a method of payment exchange:
Vodafone in Africa
Some cause-related organizations could provide or donate older technologies (outdated by American standards, but sufficiently reliable) of laptops or cell phones that could be reused instead of recycled for part. The traditional model just breaks down recyclable parts for raw materials as a source of revenue. (Think copper mining in India, where toxic piles of waste cause environmental and health consequences.) There are also profit-based models that could develop products for a cheaper market, using more affordable materials and products.
In general, impoverished areas struggle from isolation. The barriers of wealth result in lack of access to public services, health, education, information, and opportunity. But, I do have hope that increased access to information can become a new source of wealth and change the power dynamics.
Here’s another example of the potential change brought about by access to information.
There are endless organizations trying to make changes; the future is calling for a change. The current isolated structure can’t hold out as the world wants more access and opportunity.
Thank you so much for this information, Susan. I’m glad to know that we as a world are pushing to close the information gap between all nations. Access to such things as health, education and political information is really where you start to see the divide between wealthy and poor, and I hope we can do a better job of getting this information to all. You’ve given me a lot of information, and I really appreciate it!
I have also noticed how video games tend to be sexist and I did always wonder why the female characters look almost raunchy. I think we also have to think that a lot of these video game creators are male. Perhaps it would start to change up if more females went into the industry.
Video games can make me aggravated! I know that “sex sells,” so it makes sense that guy-oriented games like Need for Speed would dress women skimpily. But it’s a slap in the face to women everywhere. It’s interesting, however, to see how women try to overcompensate for their insecurities by making their avatars sexy. My husband likes to play p*ker on the xBox, and you can choose what you look like. Some of these avatars are so provocative, and the girls get all sorts of flirtatious messages from the other players. It’s silly and sad that these women get some sort of encouragement or happiness from that. They’re getting compliments on the way they’re dressing virtually, when they probably are very insecure in real life.
(For some reason the blog flagged that word as spam, so I had to improvise. :)
I found the notion lack of CMC technology in 3rd world Countries interesting as well. A couple years ago i took cultural anthropology and one of the things we discussed was introducing new technology to a society that has never seen , what to us seems like basic technology. Anthropologist have a term that i can not remember what it is called, but basically they introduce technology at a slow rate to not overwhelm or scare the people of the society which could cause the native people to drive out 1st world parties.
Online discussions boards should be a whole different world, as they are to me, on the internet. Being anonymous to so many individuals you do not know, makes you feel invincible. These are not forums that I am in favor of, but the fact that the “flaming” aspect happens uncontrollably so often is really quite sickening. If you were in front of 100 strangers, having the same discussion, would you say those things to their faces? Probably not.