I'm blogging again from the Netroots Nation conference in Austin, Texas, and continue to be impressed with how my fellow participants have jumped on this technology as a means of expressing ideas, opinions, and general information that might not have otherwise been available. As the conference has progressed, I have a deeper appreciation for how the Internet, including the blogosphere, has helped us connect with each other, even at the international level, almost instantaneously. Moreover, as I reflect on my contributions I've made to this site as a member of the YP4 blog team, I have become convinced of how the blogosphere is an affordable/ financially feasible means of advocating for low-income communities and people of color, as well as pursuing my passion for addressing racial/economic injustices, particularly health inequalities.
Nevertheless, looking around at the crowd present here at the Netroots Nation conference, I can't help but ask, to what extent does the blogosphere represent an alternative form of media/means of communication? Who has access to the blogosphere?
I came to this conference, seeking to connect with other ethnic minorities who blog as a means of addressing issues that affect our communities. Aside from those I met during the Latino bloggers session, and from a handful of panelists of color, I have found it quite challenging to accomplish my intended goal. Moreover, even with those bloggers of color with whom I've been fortunate to engage in productive dialogue and establish professional relationships, we all hold college/graduate degrees.
And so I ask, how about the people who are directly affected by unemployment, incarceration, immigration, and other social injustices? To what extent are their voices heard on the blogosphere? Who has access to the blogosphere, or even the Internet? On the flip side, for those of us, as bloggers of color, are tokenized? In other words, when I, as a multiracial blogger, share my two cents, do others read my entries and walk away believing that I speak for everyone in my community?
Yes, there is more to be done to increase access to and awareness of the potency of the blogosphere. How?