CIS 3317 E-Commerce Assignment 2 Individual Isms And The Dig

Cis 3317 E Commerceassignment 2 Individual Isms And The Digital

Describe the assignment: Select one “Ism” (such as racism, sexism, classism, etc.) and relate it to the concept of the Digital Divide that you feel connected to (personal history, issue, concern, strong feelings, a situation or incident). Write a 2-3 page double-spaced paper addressing which Ism category/grouping you chose and why, describe the Digital Divide in your own words, research statistics or facts about the ism as it relates to the Digital Divide, discuss its impact on the business world if embraced or condoned, and reflect on your findings, feelings, or thoughts.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

John Doe

Racism and the Digital Divide

Racism, as a systemic issue rooted in historical oppression, continues to influence various aspects of society, including access to digital technology. The Digital Divide refers to the gap between individuals or communities with effective access to digital tools and those without, often reflecting underlying social inequalities. In this essay, I explore how racism intersects with the Digital Divide, creating a cycle that perpetuates racial disparities in education, employment, and social participation.

The Digital Divide can be understood as not merely a matter of physical access to computers and the internet but also encompasses digital literacy, affordability, and the ability to utilize technology effectively. It manifests in disparities among different racial groups, with marginalized communities often experiencing limited access to high-speed internet, devices, and the skills necessary to navigate digital environments. This divide is exacerbated by economic inequalities, historical segregation, and systemic discrimination rooted in racism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities became more apparent, as students from minority backgrounds faced significant obstacles in remote learning due to lack of devices or reliable internet. Studies during 2020 revealed that African American and Hispanic households were disproportionately affected by the digital gap, limiting their educational opportunities and economic mobility (Gonzales, 2020).

Statistics from the Pew Research Center indicated that around 23% of Black adults and 26% of Hispanic adults in the United States lacked broadband internet at home in 2020, compared to 14% of White adults (Pew Research Center, 2021). These numbers highlight the racial disparities in digital access and usage. In the context of the business environment, this digital disparity hampers diversity and inclusion efforts, as individuals from marginalized groups may be unable to fully participate in digital training, remote work, or e-commerce opportunities if digital access is restricted or absent. Companies that ignore these disparities risk perpetuating inequalities, missing out on diverse talent and consumer bases.

Reflecting on this issue, I feel concerned about the ongoing systemic barriers that prevent equitable digital participation. It is important for policymakers and corporations to recognize that addressing the Digital Divide requires more than infrastructure improvements; it necessitates intentional strategies to combat racial inequities in digital literacy and affordability. Bridging this gap not only promotes social justice but also enhances economic growth by leveraging the talents of all community members. Moving forward, I believe that fostering inclusive digital environments is essential for building a more equitable and innovative society.

References

• Gonzales, A. (2020). COVID-19 and the digital divide: disparities in broadband access during the pandemic. Journal of Technology & Society, 12(3), 45-59.
• Pew Research Center. (2021). Digital divide persists even as Americans use smartphones at greater rates. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
• Anderson, M., & Kumar, M. (2019). Digital divide persists along racial and socioeconomic lines. Pew Research Center.
• Ladner, D. (2020). The impact of systemic racism on digital inequality. Harvard Journal of Race & Justice, 36(2), 345-368.
• Smith, J. (2018). Digital access and socio-economic disparity: a review. Journal of Digital Inclusion, 4(1), 10-22.