Rough Draft of Indepth analysis paper

Chikere
Wrt205
03.28.07

Blogs characteristically facilitate open corridors for communication and expression. Their ability to do so, works as a catalyst in creating new communities that transcend physical geographical borders. The attractive nature of these discourse communities possibly reside in non-discriminatory practices of its membership. Active participation in dialogue is not dependant upon academic credentials but rather the individual’s sense of community where all constituents have an equal voice. Immigration-activist blogs are possibly one of the most active discourse communities on the web. Conversation in these communities highlight that there are more regions of white and black than there are grey as members are sure to express their opinion, indicating the individuals are strong in their convictions. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate the impact of communication in realm of digital immigration activism; analyzing and applying David Weinberger’s theories on ‘togetherness’ and the ‘web public ’ to verify if his theories do in fact hold weight.

Within David Weinberger’s novel,’ Small pieces Loosely Joined; a unified theory of the Web’ the author asserts that since the web’s inception, it has consequently revolutionized concepts such as Space, Time and Togetherness (just to name a few), as we know them. Fundamentally he illustrates that the aforementioned concepts take different meanings dependant upon which scenario they should be interpreted; the real world or the internet. The following quote reflects Weinberger’s ideas of togetherness in the real world; ‘The bigger the crowd , the more faceless we each become, mirroring socially the physical fact that faces become smaller and smaller the farther back in the crowd they are.’ On the web however, togetherness is characteristically different. People enjoy the benefits of community and enjoy yet the luxury of being as visible as they deem fit. Ultimately the motive of this essay is to identify which realm has the greatest impact upon Immigration discourse communities.

Dissent within the community for immigration activism primarily regards illegal aliens who cross the Mexico boarder into America. As a result two generalized factions materialize; those who are in favor of illegal immigrants gaining certain privileges and the other faction pro immigration reform in the form of stringent control of US boarders. This is an ironic matter as both parties are unified on the basis of each wanting reform. In the real world these arguments fall into the strictly black and white categories either, pro-deportation and heighten domestic security or increased rights for illegal immigrants. Activists in these real world situations are forced to choose sides as there isn’t much room for middle ground. On the internet citizens who align themselves with either umbrella term can voice their sentiments about certain situations that aren’t being addressed. Therefore unlike the real worlds emphasis on black and white categorizations, the internet facilitates room for black white and all shades of gray.

A blogger by the name of Lau, expresses discontent over Lou Dobbs’ ideology of illegal immigration south of the border. Attempts to summarize Dobb’s viewpoint and assert their own with the following statements “He said among other things that people with Mexican descent who live in this country do not adapt to the American way of life, that we don't want to speak English and that we don't assimilate the American culture… the fact of the matter is that the words this gentleman is saying denotes great ignorance when it comes to border issues like immigration or historical and economic facts.” The commentary this individual provides is rather accurate when you examine certain references towards United States’ history, economic practices and culture. Lau argues, what is the American culture? The country was built at the expense of other nations and peoples, furthering the viewpoint of the nation a being a melting pot. Thus only through the commentary, a position on Immigration is voiced. Though pro-tougher border controls, Lau believes immigrants should be evaluated on the basis of why they seek refuge in the US and if they would be beneficial to the welfare of the Country. Secondly the question is who is Lau? Lau is a34 yr female American citizen, who lives in Texas, is of Mexican parentage and works in the public relations field. She is a the quintessential representation of Weinberger’s theory of togetherness in the web public. She is an individual, with individual concerns and voice. ‘On the web, each person is present only insofar as she has presented herself in an individual expression of her interests; many small faces, each distinct within the multitude (Weinberger).’

Summary/Weinberger comparison

Summary and Weinberger

I related my primary source of my summary to Weinberger’s theory of the web public; An idea that all constituents of online discourse communities are entitled to the freedom of speech. Web communities are ultimately utopian societies in comparison to the real world. There everyone is on a level playing field and possess equal voice. In summarizing the article then comparing it to Weinberger’s theory there is a visible differences amid both communities. Illegal immigrants of Latino decent have little or no voice. They are categorized as a singular unit, and their issues and concerns are jumble of generalized statements. Such a perverse system limits their voice due to the mere fact that they are not Americans citizens. Online individuals can move from one discourse community to another without hindrance, unfortunately in the real world borders and xenophobia prevents such fluidity of movement.

Summary

Summary

Latino’s Future

The sharp increase in Latino American populations is disproportional to the overall political clout of the constituency. This is due impart to fact that a high percentage of the population are non-citizen immigrants. Their future influence within the American political system is not underestimated as the American census bureau predicts their numbers will reach the 60million mark by yr 2020. Their impact upon American politics is illustrated by politician such as Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, D-Conn., who recently began incorporating Spanish words and phrase into his speeches, as a method of outreach to the Hispanic demographic. Official’s Pro-immigrant limitations, argue that the Hispanic population is increasing too rapidly. The sole argument is that immigration is occurring much quicker than the U.S. society can adjust; therefore the states in the southwest that are saturated with immigrants will ultimately wish to secede from the United States. To curb possibility of such occurrences there is question as to whether Latinos should be forced to assimilate to American culture. However, definitions as to what exactly is the ‘American’ culture are not particularly unanimous.

Data Chart

Primary Source	Pattern #1 Economics	Pattern #2 Politics	Pattern #3Culture
Lau	Immigrants are taking their due slice of the economic pie; Taking their reparations	Politicians are opportunistic and Corrupt	American culture multifaceted not singular entity
Lou Dobbs	Immigrants are the cause of downfall in middleclass America	Politicians are negligent towards what benefits the American people	Immigrants need to assimilate to the American culture
Man	Corporations are to blame for economic downfall(outsourcing)		Racism and xenophobia

Introduction for Indept Research Paper

Blogs characteristically facilitate open corridors for communication and expression. It’s ability to do so, works as a catalyst in creating new communities that transcend physical geographical borders. The attractive nature of these discourse communities possibly reside in non-discriminatory practices of its membership. Active participation in dialogue is not dependant upon academic credentials but rather the individual’s sense of community where all constituents have an equal voice. Immigration-activist blogs are possibly one of the most active discourse communities on the web. Conversation in these communities highlight that there are more regions of white and black than there are grey as members are sure to express their opinion, indicating the individuals are strong in their convictions. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate the impact of equal voice in realm of digital immigration activism; analyzing and applying David Weinberger’s theory on ‘togetherness’ and the ‘web public.’