The human side of the digital divide
With this mashup, we will close the digital divide. However, though this is a lofty and important goal, this project takes the important step of connecting the digital divide to the larger issue of poverty. It's easy to talk about Internet access; politicians of all stripes agree that people should have access to the Internet, even if they disagree on what to do about it. In cities all across the country and at all levels of government, people or committees are discussing how to expand access to the Internet. This tool leverages the widespread comfort with that one issue to open much more challenging discussions about poverty, racism, community health, and financial justice.
People's Production House has been conducting interviews with people from across New York City to document their experience of the digital divide. This mash up will put these stories in context. It will locate 1) the location-specific audio recordings on a map of the city, overlaid with 2) data on Internet access (as gathered by the FCC, BroadbandCensus.com, and through our own research), 3) Internet infrastructure (as gathered by the NYC Economic Development Corporation), and 4) poverty levels (from the US Census) or other factors associated with lack of access to information technology. Over time, we would add in 5) other redlined resources, such as banks or healthy food. This will provide a clear representation of the digital divide -- who it affects and how –– and tie it to other social issues. While this proposal is specific to New York City, I foresee it being used in many other cities, perhaps even internationally. It could be a great method of cultural exchange for people at any of the multiple edges of the growing network.
People's Production House teaches media literacy, media production, and media policy in public schools and to community organizations in New York, DC, and the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Mississippi. We have been working with a number of immigrant organizations to facilitate their involvement with the NYC Broadband Advisory Committee. Through interviews with their peers, they are bringing people into the process who cannot attend a public hearing held in English during working hours . In addition, we are working with a class of high school students to make a series of short videos about the physical infrastructure of the Internet. These wouldn't be in the mashup, but they will provide excellent context. If someone talks about having a fiber optic or a dial-up connection, visitors will be able to watch a short video that explains how that technology works. PPH's Policy Director has additional qualifications available by request (to him or a search engine).
I need help with programming. We have a team of people gathering interviews. I and one other person are gathering data. But it will only be a list of links and clips without someone who can mash it up and create a form for us -- and others -- to upload new location-specific audio clips.
Global Food and Economic Crisis Project
Thanks for sharing this project! The global food and economic crisis is affecting everyone from all walks of life, making what they perceive to be hard decisions about preparing for a recession. Before this recession and food crisis over, every person will think long and hard about the sacrifices they have to make to survive the recession. There are a lot ways to solve this. If you want to save money and do something interesting, why not try to grow your own food. . If you grow your own food, you're producing what you eat, and those results can be rewarding. You really don't need acres of land you can grow plants in pots, or a small patch a few feet square in your yard can do the trick. Also, the age old practices of canning, and learning how to dehydrate your food can store this food that you grow for a long time. In lieu of the microwave, you could also learn to cook with a crock pot or convection oven. Crock pots are great for making stews, soups and roasts, everything but the kitchen sink meals, which will make the veggies stand out if you grow your own food.
No Programmers needed.
Making the net and computers available to the non techies is a noble cause. I applaud you. As for your need for a programmer, you might not need one. The Swamp Search allows for collaboration and sharing, like no other piece of software. I can help you and you cause. Good luck