parent
  • eilyra
    +9

    So, I believe I can add something, specifically related to anonymous interactions over the Internet. A general theme I've noticed in several places, such interactions tends to have the other party assume you're white & male. Now this probably has to do with the demographics of the English speaking Internet, but still it does tend to show a marginalisation of other identities.

    Now there have been attempts at explaining why this might be a good thing (4chan, so crude language) though that argument fails to recognize that making a part of your identity know online shouldn't be seen as attention seeking. It also appreciate the way it reduces women to objects of desire (again, crude language).

    I personally haven't encountered this same discussion around race as much, possibly because it's a topic that doesn't get discussed enough or maybe it's something that can't be noticed through Internet communications as easily (e.g. if VoIP gets involved at some point, one's gender is generally revealed, race probably less so if there isn't an accent). Admittedly it's also something I'm not personally touched by, so that may contribute to my ignorance on the subject, so any sources are appreciated!

    P.S. Thank you for the very nice write-up! Hopefully I managed to contribute to the discussion. :)

    • sushmonster (edited 8 years ago)
      +5

      Admittedly it's also something I'm not personally touched by

      I think it's really great that this thought occurred to you. Have you ever heard of the concept of the invisible knapsack of privilege? It's a concept designed not to critique but rather explain one's inability to see one's own privilege. You recognize yours, which makes you more socially conscious than others who might not. Thanks for your contribution to the discussion; I'll check out those links when I'm not at work. :)

      • douglas77
        +5

        Wow, thanks for that link! Some of those are really insidious, and until now I was not aware of them, like

        18. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty or the illiteracy of my race.

      • eilyra
        +2

        Have you ever heard of the concept of the invisible knapsack of privilege?

        Don't think I've encountered that before, no. It was an interesting read, thank you. Always interesting to see what things one may take for granted that may not be and may help with recognising when such thoughts inadvertently creep up on you.