"Citizenville": Prequel to the Full Analysis
Image via "Citizenville" Facebook Page
I typically skip the forewards and introductions, but California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, author of "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government," intrigued me with his first sentence - "This book started with a question."
Newsom spends the next few pages asking why the world is superengaged on social media platforms, communicating with family and friends and sharing infinite amounts of information while the government has, in many ways, pulled away from its own citizens. It has become a system diminished by corrupt political and corporate agendas, often to pursue a hidden financial incentive or power play. How do we make government accessible to the people again? How do we give America back to its citizens?
Newsom posed an interesting scenario:
We could combine the fun of a game with the social good of solving real problems. Here's one way it could work: Let's say you live in a neighborhood of 20 blocks. If four people there want to play the game - let's call it Citizenville - you can divide the neighborhood into four areas delineated by an interactive map on the Citizenville Web site...
While an innovative and possibly effective idea in theory, I can't help but ponder the reality: the budgeting concerns, long-term interest, and class equity. Of course this a specific idea to discuss a broader concept - enhancing engagement between government and the people - but how do we maintain this initiative so it's effective? It's apparent that the system is breaking, but in order to incorporate technology we need to make the devices and software accessible and inclusive for all citizens.
Fortunately in America, computers and smartphones are becoming commodities (tablets are getting there) helping bring price points down giving the average American access to these products. We must also evaluate HOW Americans use technology, breaking down the uses of mobile communication and understanding its impact (short-term and long-term) across various demographics. Pew Research Center's most recent data** shows as of:
April 2012: 67 percent own a laptop computer. 58 percent own a desktop computer
December 2012: 87 percent own cellphones
January 2013: 13 percent own a tablet computer
Nielsen also gives insight into smartphone users, detailing how many of the world's developed countries use these devices.
And while these figures are steadily rising, there's still a percentage of the people who lack the resources to make a technical, all-inclusive government possible. It should incorporate all constituents, not just those who can afford the technology.
How do we include communities who meet or live below the poverty line? The people of who work two or three jobs and can barely afford their rent, nonetheless the Internet or a device to utilize it. The reality is such an initiative would still be bias against certain communities. Would the government intervene and provide additional resources to either promote participation or monitor "sectors?" Let's be realistic - probably not. It also strikes a political nerve when discussing big versus little government.
I'm not knocking Lt. Gov. Newsom's concept. In fact, I totally support this idea but with the realization there are any holes would need to be "layers" for this sort of policy and engagement.
Of course all of this is an pre-analysis of a book I haven't quite dived in to. I'm anticipating many of my questions and concerns will be answered once I read the full text although I anticipate I'll have many
**Data reflects adults 18 and over
