Comments on: Social Networking World forum- where my black sisters at?

By: Sivu Nobo

Sivu Nobo — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:31:15 +0000

This wheel will turn and black men, women and others who previously did not feature in the world digital arena will become respectable masters of their own destiny. Mark my words.

By: Kele

Kele — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:04:48 +0000

when I first got to Cape Town, I couldn’t believe the scarcity of educated, black female faces. Seriously. I’ve been out somewhere and noticed that the only black people are me and the waiters etc. Thankfully, there is a mental shift taking place. (see my post, “Don’t worry GodFM…” But the fact that there is a vaccuum creates a platform from where we can extend our skills and knowledge. It’s not easy, but the opportunity is there. And,girl, you know we’re the generation who has to do it.

I’ll see you in first class on our way to a conference soon, girl. I have a seven year deadline for this goal.

By: kgaugelo

kgaugelo — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:15:07 +0000

Hi Vincent

Wow, can’t believe you actually commented on my blog -will so tell my friends *sigh*). Anyhow, it really bothers me that such functions are seen as representative of the global community yet women are hardly present. The New Media industry should not be part of the patriarchal ideology rather an industry where all can participate. Young, old, white, black, woman, man etc. In our media studies course we touched on representation so these sort of things now stick out like a sore thumb for me.

As a South African upcoming multimedia producer and hopefully new media strategist, I hope to somehow (by blogging and using other platforms) to challenge the status quo. Social networking is one strong wave that’s coming down from all angles and certain infrastructures should be put in place so that all are given an equal platform to speak and challenge others. Jude Matherine, our new media lecturer, just went to a conference in Germany and I’m quite interested to hear if any South African women were present.

By: Vincent Maher

Vincent Maher — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:45:21 +0000

That was exactly my impression but not only were there no black speakers, there were also very very few women. I made this comment to one of the women I was sitting next to and she sort of waved it off saying “yeah, telecoms is still a white male thing”

The same is applicable if you look at the line-up of the Web 2.0 conferences in the US as well. Not sure what the solution is but I don’t think there is a quick fix for it.