Expect Resistance & Library Autonomous Zone

I am tired of hearing people use the term “participatory media” without questioning who participates or who’s able to participate. Every tech group/meeting that I attend is largely white and male dominant. Maybe I have been in the wrong places, but I don’t think my experience is far from reality. One day I asked people in a meeting where are the people of color, some just laughed (uncomfortably) and some pretended they didn’t hear me.

No doubt new media have been changing the way we communicate, create culture, and knowledge but I am afraid that people who have been historically marginalized will be left behind again rather than participating in these changes and have to deal with those consequences generation after generation.

I am not just talking about learning how to use blog or wiki as technology consumer –which is no doubt important. But we need to participate in the process of technology creation. I am not sure where we can start this, but rather than keep asking to include people of color and women it is wise just to start one and create our own community. If it takes a blog to create the community then I can blog, if it takes wiki then I will use wiki. No time to wait!