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[khalsted-blog1]

References: Shoshana Magnet (2007). "Feminist Sexualities, Race and the Internet: An Investigation of Suicidegirls.com." New Media and Society. Janelle Hobson (2016). "Black Beauty and Digital Spaces: The New Visibility Politics." Ada: A Journal of Gender, New Media, and Technology. Lucy Watson (2015) "How girls are finding empowerment through being sad online." Dazed. F. wilding: where is feminism in cyberfeminism. N.p., n.d. Web. May 2017. Bonner, Mehera. "That 'White Princess' Rape Scene Was the Most Feminist Moment TV Has Seen in a Long Time." Marie Claire. N.p., 18 Apr. 2017. Web. Apr. 2017. "Girls rule in Starz's new." ABC News Radio. N.p., n.d. Web. May 2017. Gregory, Philippa. The white princess. New York: Touchstone, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, 2017. Print. "Rebel Girls: What We’re Talking About When We Talk About Intersectionality." Autostraddle. N.p., 20 Jan. 2016. Web. Apr. 2017. "Rebel Girls: Your Handy-Dandy Map to the Feminist Movement." Autostraddle. N.p., 09 July 2014. Web. Apr. 2017. "The White Princess: When Powerful Females Made History in Tudor England." HWD. Vanity Fair, 05 Apr. 2017. Web. Apr. 2017. White Princess, episode 1, Starz video clip Reinke, Dr. WST Cyberfeminism

[a-feminist-cactus-blog]

This assignment was interesting to me because of the frustration I continuously experience on Facebook as a result of posts like the ones above. Most, if not all, of my Facebook friends are open-minded, educated, progressive individuals whose posts rarely exhibit bigotry or hatred in any way. However, this does not change the fact that other users’ posts (which may be extremely bigoted or hateful) connect to the events they are about. For instance, when Constance Wu’s stand against Casey Affleck’s Oscar nomination started to “trend” on Facebook, the site placed a link on the right-hand side of the main page. When one clicks on the link, they can read hundreds of individuals’ posts regarding that specific incident.

While many of the posts involving Constance Wu were in support of her stand against Affleck’s nomination, some screamed the opposite. Some users resorted to basing their attacks off of Wu’s gender, not the validity of her accusations. Like in the first example above, a few users began to call Wu explicit names, like “b*tch” and “c*nt,” while others (like the second example) tried to denounce her commitment to feminism by saying she made other “strong women” look bad. Very few posts against Wu’s accusations had anything to do with the validity of her response to the nomination. Instead, they were emotionally-charged rants that had more to do with her existence as a woman. 

It is troubling to think that no matter how far an online community goes to protect women, minorities, and other disadvantaged groups, there will always be hateful people and “trolls” who thrive on playing the devil’s advocate. I imagine that most of these people are vastly uneducated (I know I was relatively biased before I educated myself on feminism, LGBT issues, racism, and other social concepts) or perhaps too insecure to uplift others. So despite how angry those people can make me, I do pity them – they may not have the privilege I’ve had to be educated on these important matters, or maybe they’re so miserable on the inside that their behavior is somewhat understandable. 

(Also, I know we’re supposed to link multimedia to our posts, but I couldn’t figure out how to link users’ Facebook posts directly. So I took screenshots instead. Sorry!)

[khalsted-blog1]

I loved the screen shots you used, I remember exactly when this story came out and it was EVERYWHERE. What you stated was so true and one of the reasons that I deleted my Facebook account all together. I really enjoyed your honest post as well as relating to the course material. What I found to be most intriguing was when you stated that “attacks were against Wu’s gender, not her accusations”. This is something that I feel so strongly about as well. I Society places so much emphasis on the attack that the actual message becomes lost. It is something that is unfortunately becoming a part of our culture to emotionally attack people and it needs to be rectified. We should be supportive, there will always be differences of opinion, but respect has gone completely out the window.

[asuabbie-blog]

Week 5

This week of readings were a slight challenge for me. Understanding corporeal cyberfeminism took some time, but throughout the articles I grasped bits and pieces. Was this a problem for any of you? Reality can be lost while on the internet, as well as blurred. Jessica Brophy had explained in Developing a Corporeal Cyberfeminism: Beyond Cyberutopia that people connect to themselves online and create them selfs as cyberselves. They had learned this creation of cyberselves through watching chat rooms and interviews. These cyberselves are given genders and indignities through the slang term of ASL. ASL stands for age sex and location. By the internet giving real life people the ability to create their own identity over the internet, real life people are allowing the cyberworld to be another form of reality. This form of reality allows people to hide behind their screens. Hiding behind screens gives people the freedom to harass the people of the internet. People are easily able to express sexism, racism, and many more different forms of hate over the internet. Brophy had noted that, “Cyberfeminists should not understand cyberspace as a utopian replacement for the spaces of lived experiences, but rather as an augmentation of those spaces. These complex inter-relations should not be reduced to a bifurcation of online and offline where either is considered entirely separate from and unaffected by the other; rather, the material conditions of the offline world need to remain visible to scholars,” (Brophy 142). As a woman, who has grew up with technology as one of my main form of communication. Like observed, I was also in chatrooms and a participant of one who used instant messaging. Growing up I felt like I had a whole new identity and was a new person while online. I could be whoever I wanted, I could identify as anything. The internet was truly an embodied experience for me. I had made many friends online, who knew me only has the person i portrayed to be over the internet. Did others do the same? Did you experience the internet the same as I did? Did you create a new identity?

https://www.theguardian.com/media-network/2015/sep/24/online-offline-personality-digital-identity

[khalsted-blog1]

So happy you said that! I too felt the same way the material and it wasn’t even my week to post. I also grew up in the age of AOL messaging and chat rooms. It is very true that you can take on a different personality on those site and spaces within the internet. One thing that I would ask is how is this evolving within society. We so much cyberbullying through places like Facebook and newer sites. It seems like back in our day, as weird as that sounds, a person only had a screen name that could be changed or deleted. Cyberbullying was not a huge thing, I mean it probably was but it was not widely talked about. Nowadays, it seems like the fear of hurting others is lessoning, because it is “online” and can be claimed as a joke. I really liked the quote you used for cyberfeminism is to be used as an augmentation of space. I think that was a really insightful thing to say to keep conversations open.

[a-feminist-cactus-blog]

Feelings? On Tinder?

This week I’m thinking a bit critically of one of our readings: Marie Hicks’ “Computer Love: Replicating Social Order Through Early Computer Dating Systems.” It’s not that I disagree with what Hicks has to say – I do think a majority of dating (or “matchmaking”) apps and websites are created by men to fulfill male desire, which can often skew the results of those services. And I do think because of how and by whom they are made, matchmaking apps and sites do cater most to cisgender, heterosexual, and maybe even middle- to upper-class users. However, I don’t think all online dating services work this way. This can be both positive and negative, depending on how you feel. 

I do understand Hicks’ point with websites that require that you enter your interests and ideal relationship traits, then match you with someone who has entered similar items. However, with apps like Tinder (and subsequently, Bumble, HER, etc), things work a little differently. Tinder’s algorithms only take into consideration location, age, and gender. Deciding whether you’re a good match for someone based on looks or interests (or whatever else is revealed in their profile) is up to you – you just have to hope the other person agrees. 

This can be both good or bad for self esteem. Matching with someone can be a huge ego boost – but what if they never respond to your first message, or worse, what if they stop responding after a few texts back and forth? Then you know they aren’t a fan of your personality. This may be why Tinder users report lower self esteem after using the app. You’re essentially swiping self-worth.

Of course, this can be positive as well. Sometimes you have great conversations with other users and make valuable connections, whether romantic/sexual or purely platonic. Sometimes a quick compliment shot your way is a huge ego boost, even if the conversation never goes further than that. In my opinion, it’s even a great self esteem boost to create a profile, because it requires you to choose your cutest photos/selfies and write something positive about yourself. You’re essentially showing yourself off. 

In the end, I believe feelings can be both enhanced and hurt by online dating or “matchmaking” services. It all depends on what you’re looking for, which service you use, and the attitude you take into it. And sometimes luck. Some days Tinder is better than others. 

[khalsted-blog1]

Your post was very insightful. As you stated at the end “some days on Tinder are better than others”. Now I do not have personal experience with online dating or apps. However, I do agree with yours and Marie Hicks perspective on the stigma that has been conditioned into society, the stigma of online dating is “never going to work” and people are “only looking for a good time”. Which is simply not true, and with how busy society and culture has become it is easier to use apps to either meet people more effectively. I do also agree with you that there is a different perspective on dating websites that have you fill out tons of questions verses sites like Tinder that are labeled as “hookup” apps. However, I have heard of people finding success with both. I think in society today it just depends, and technology can help.

[jwhall-blog]

Post 12

I think “cam girl-ing” is labor just like any other job.  Just because its not the traditional 9-5 doesn’t make it less labor.  It is still a job that you are being paid for and probably don’t want to do sometimes, just like any other job.  The women doing it are “laborers” because they are doing something and being paid. I liked this film a lot it, it represents every day women and their struggles and the film makes it so the situations are relatable or have some aspects that you can understand.  I think this is important because people are usually so quick to judge so this film does a great job preventing that. Also most people think it is wrong to “cam” but this film paints it in a different light, that its not something dirty but something they chose to do and that theres nothing wrong with that. As Sean Dunn says, “Oh no, they shouldn’t be doing this—somebody’s got to save these girls. What’s gone wrong?” The further I dug around, the further from the truth that sentiment could’ve been, because they don’t need help—they are empowered through this work and are gaining independence.” I like the way he said that. Women are providing for themselves and choosing how they want to do that and there is nothing wrong in whatever they choose.

[khalsted-blog1]

First of all great post! I think that it is important to give different sides to every story. The importance of sharing insights to empowerment is very important, especially in our society. Cam girl-ing, can be empowering as well as safe for women, instead of being out on streets. I have friends who are “cam girls” and although it is unconventional way to make money. They describe their experiences as safe, and a lot like YouTube vloggers it is just a different subject platform. I like how you also use the quote from Sean Dunn saying these women need to be saved. Now, if women are being forced to do this against their will, or are underage then yes they definitely need to be saved. However, a grown woman who is making money should be thought less of because of what she does.

[ajonesy4791-deactivated20171128]

Week 13

I view the spaces online where young people can express themselves as extremely empowering. It allows for those who may have not had a voice before, to gain confidence, express themselves, and expand their overall creativity. However, when one’s own content is censored due to their skin color we often times see them not profiting off of their own creations. As seen in the article “Black Teens are Breaking the Internet and seeing none of the profits”, we see young people of color not receiving the credit off of their own content. Kayla Newman is the voice behind the saying “on fleek” that is widely used amongst the younger generations and large corporations, and celebrities. She reached over 36 million “loops” (replays), felt that she gave the world a new word, and yet she was never recognized with ownership to this saying.

With the internet being as big at is has ever been, I would imagine it is hard to keep track of the origins of which meme came from where, or who said what first, but why are some people making millions and others not?  There are so many vloggers, insta-famous, among many other average people that have made it big solely based off of their content that they are putting out there for others to view. I found this article showing the salary of some vloggers. It appears that most are over six-figures. However, just because one is born with a different skin color, they are immediately classified and shunned by society outside of their social media platform of choice. I think this is definitely a topic that needs to be addressed. I believe that everyone deserves credit for their original creations regardless of what color their skin is. Like Kayla mentioned, she believes good things happen to those who wait.

[khalsted-blog1]

I think this was a great topic to bring up. It is so sad that this is what our culture turns to. With all of the movements, and diversity that our country promotes it is still very lacking in certain areas. You brought up a great point that many people choose to ignore and we as a society shouldn’t. Even in higher education we are taught to give credit where credit is due, and there should not be an exception for media. It is important to give people credit that they are owed.

It made me think about two friends of mine who are trying to get more Instagram followers. One is to create awareness for a particular political movement, and the other is for “modeling”. Needless to say the “model” friend has more followers and has gotten calls for endorsements. It is so sad to see my friend who is working so hard for such a great cause be looked over. It makes one take a step back and look at what we as a culture promote…

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[theycallmethechosenone]

https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePrinceSane/videosThis week, in looking at trans vloggers, I decided to start with Laura Horak’s article on trans visibility through YouTube. I knew that I wanted to talk about Stef Sanjati who is a trans youtuber that I follow on and off. She has been documenting her transition via YouTube and Instagram and has recently gone through facial feminization surgery. Stef Sanjati doesn’t regularly post about her transition, rather she vlogs/documents it in chunks and her other content consists of beauty tutorials, activism, and even some gaming videos. I wanted to talk about Stef because I didn’t realize how powerful her format was until reading Horak’s essay.

Stef Sanjati employs a video format that Horak calls a “talking head,” basically Sanjati talks to the camera in an interview type format where only her head and shoulders are visible. I hadn’t thought much to this format until Horak point out the political weight that this shot composition has. Horak claims that the talking head has been traditionally used to “convey authoritative information from “experts” (usually white, cisgendered men)” and has also been utilized by activists to “grant expertise” (574). With that information I realize the impact that other trans vloggers who employ such a simple shot composition have on their audience. By simply framing their vlogs in an authoritative way, trans vloggers are influencing their audiences with a conditioned response of expertise. Therefore their personal testimonies, activist information, and whatever other information they wish to give their audiences are understood to be coming from a person who is knowledgeable on the subject.

This simple format for disseminating information, I believe, not only supports cyberfeminism but also gives it credibility. Cyberfeminism through YouTube can be understood by audiences as not only real experiences of trans individuals, but information on transitioning and trans (or other issues) related activism as truthful and helpful. I had no idea how a simple framing of a shot could shift how an audience interprets the message.

Here’s a link to Stef Sanjati’s channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePrinceSane/videos

[khalsted-blog1]

Hi! I just wanted to say how powerful and informative your post was for me. In all honesty I hadn’t realized the concept of the “talking head” and how that pertains to vocalizing information to the masses. It makes me look at how newscasters, and politicians are directly positioned in the same way. It is very interesting to see that by a simple upwards angle of a camera can help to convey a powerful message. In a way as you said in paraphrasing Horak, it makes sense and really does give a very authoritative impression. I do agree with you, and stating that more “talking head” speeches would be very influential towards Cyberfeminism. This kind of tool, in the world of mass media would be a great tool. I wonder if more people were exposed to Horak’s work would make a difference in the long run, and if so how would it directly impact Cyberfeminism other than through credibility. 

I highly recommend viewing Stef Sanjati’s channel, it is incredible. 

[khalsted-blog1]

Safe Protesting

It is no surprise that being active in the feminist community has been dangerous. It was thought of as a negative rather than a collaboration of equality. Back when women were trying to get the right to vote, most were sent to jail at least once for their efforts. Exposed to cruel and unusual punishments in order to provide themselves with basic civilian rights. This was a general standard in most countries that even allowed peaceful protesting. This although did not stop the cruel violence that spread, and that anger grew for many generations.

That is why cyberfeminism has drastically improved a woman’s ability to speak out in a safe way. No longer does any person that wants to speak on feminist issues need to be afraid. That to me is the most empowering thing our modern society has given us. I know that some look down on men and women for speaking out, but it is a constitutionally protected right, and a right that makes this country stand out among all the rest. By using the internet in a positive way, it not only gets a message across to thousands of people at one time, is safe, and gives people an opportunity to organize. It is no surprise that women have the strength to organize a movement in great numbers. But this has only grown with technology and we should use it to the fullest. 

2017

1913

[khalsted-blog1]

Assignment 1

Hello everyone! first thing first please call me Katie, I am in my last semester at ASU and this is one of my last classes before I graduate. I am a Liberal Studies major and I already have a degree in History with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. I also have an AA degree in Arts and Humanities from West Valley Community College. I was born and raised in Bay Area California, but have spent the last four years in various states such as Washington, Idaho, and Colorado working as a Gymnastics coach.

Writing this post is a pretty big step for me. Since, I have not had a Facebook, Instagram, twitter, Vine, or any kind of social media in over three years. In the past I felt I had an issue with spending too much time on the internet, and posting too much on social media. So instead of just limiting myself I decided that I no longer wanted anything to do with social media and only used the internet for school purposes. I have continued this practice literally until right now. I have thought about getting back on Facebook and Instagram for the sole purpose of communicating with friends and family, but still haven’t. I strongly feel that my life is more engaging without it. After reviewing this week’s materials and taking in a lot of what this course is about it is really making me understand the importance of communicating on internet platforms. For some this is a great tool for both men and women. Mainly because it can be safer, and give people more freedom to communicate without certain pressures. Although, I still believe that too much time is spent with technology and our society is not as engaging with people as it used to be. I think that with our extreme strides in technology we have also lost good parts of our cultures as well. Thankfully, we have lost parts of our society that were holding others back and are still moving forward to making lives better protected for every person.