DW2b

Dw2b:
The internet has become one of the most common ways to research, pass time, contact people, and perhaps most importantly, a way to express oneself. It has replaced the old ways of researching, with faster, easier access to an endless supply of information. Cyberspace is now a place of discussion, a place to grow from others’ ideas and knowledge, and ultimately, a place of controversy. One of these controversial issues is race, and the expression of it. Race is a controversial topic in all areas of our society, and this has even leaked into the internet. Blackplanet.com is one of these social networking websites that allows the expression of diversity, specifically the appropriation of AAVE. Blackplanet.com is aimed primarily towards the African American public, and most of its users are, indeed, Black Americans. Individuals aren’t afraid of judgement on this site, therefore, they speak and discuss without holding back, and without the restrictions of using Standard English. In today’s society, we tend to worry to much about what is right or wrong, instead of the deeper meaning. The internet allows us to look pass using Standard English, and by doing thins, take steps toward a greater acceptance of the diversity of language. In his writing “Taking Black Technology Use Seriously: African American Discursive Traditions in the Digital Underground”, Adam J. Banks states:

“This socialized instruction of feedback and guidance about personal pages helps with the millions of users (10,500,000 at the time of this writing) forge connections with each other that ensure the growth of the community and the discursive conventions that develop within it.”

In this quote, Banks is explaining the importance of personal pages on the web, such as BlackPlanet.com. He stresses the involvement that these pages have on the growth of knowledge and the stimulation of the mind on those individuals that participant in such personal websites. He also agrees with the argument that cyberspace is beneficial in the fight against linguistic prejudice and encourages connections between people. Cyberspace does this by allowing individuals express themselves without restrictions, especially the restrictions of Standard English. By users appropriating AAVE, it raises awareness about the language. It also helps people not familiar with AAVE to understand it and see the way it can be used. Personal sites, like Blackplanet.com, increase discussion by creating a connection between users. The internet, just like any other thing in this world, can have its down side, but overall, the good outweighs the bad. There is going to be discrimination against the unfamiliar, like AAVE, but the internet is a tool to help shut the door on that issue. Cyberspace prompts intellectual discussions, while appropriating AAVE, overlooking conformity, and allowing the expression of individuality.