Date of Award
Summer 9-2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Organizational and Multicultural Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Barbara Speicher
Second Advisor
Dr. Kay Yoon
Abstract
The Internet has been socially accepted as an equalizing platform where media is concerned, despite the digital divide and other inequalities that continue to persist in the space. Digital media in particular has become a source of news and opinion for many subjects including race. This research studies how race and Blackness is discussed in three popular digital media publications – The Atlantic, Salon, and Slate. Themes that arise across the publications are discussed, and an in-depth social linguistic analysis is performed on three articles. The importance of the personal narrative in digital media where Blackness is concerned is observed, while it is also noted that these narratives center on male and straight perspectives, and some potential problems from traditional media continue to infiltrate digital media. This information can impact how the Internet and digital media in particular confronts discussions of race and Blackness.
Recommended Citation
Biakolo, Kovie, "Race discourse online: How do we discuss Blackness in popular digital media?" (2015). College of Communication Master of Arts Theses. 30.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/cmnt/30