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Blackbird Browser Appeals to Blacks Interested in All Things Black
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| Blackbird Browser Appeals to Blacks Interested in All Things Black |
| 12.08.08 (8:55 pm) [edit] |
I've already ticked off several Black women who were not happy with my preliminary comments about the new Blackbird Browser. Oh well. My opinion is my opinion and you don't have to like it or agree with, nor do I expect you to like it or agree with it just because we're both Black.
Anywho. . . The Blackbird browser is a browser designed to bring you all things Black - all day, every day. Per the Blackbird web site: Because we know the 20 million African Americans online need tools to build and foster community now more than ever.
Because we know that 85% of African Americans prefer online news and information from the Black perspective.*
Because we know that you are twice as likely to be among the first to discover new trends and use advanced technology compared to the general population.*
The astericks refer to a 2004 report published by PEW Internet and American Life Project
I'm proud of being Black, like most Black Americans I know, but here's the deal:
I wouldn't subscribe to a news service that only kept me updated with things happening in the Black community.
I wouldn't pay for cable TV and subscribe to only those stations presenting me with Black-related content.
I wouldn't pay for mobile phone service if the only people I can call are other Black people.
I wouldn't live in a neighborhood where the only people who acknowledge me are other Black people.
I wouldn't pay for internet access if the only web sites I can access are Black-specific web sites.
Why would I want a browser designed to bombard me with all things Black, all day everyday? I am more than a Black person.
I am a female. Am I supposed to not care about women's issues unless those issues are related to Black women?
I am a lesbian. Am I supposed to only care about gay issues related to Black homosexuals?
I am a parent. Am I supposed to only care about issues related to Black parents?
For some, the Blackbird browser is supposed to help Blacks with community building. I applaud the effort; honestly, I do. But, is Blackbird asking Black Americans to ignore all the other issues going on in the world that may not be directly related to us being Black? Trust me, those issues will eventually become an issue for all Black people?
One of my Twitter buddies (umm, ex Twitter buddy?) made a rather interesting attempt to compare her membership as a straight woman at GayWallet.com to what Blackbird is trying to do. I disagree. As founder and Community Development Director at GayWallet.com, I am not asking the LGBT community to spend all of their internet-surfing time reading only gay-related content. I'm only asking the LGBT community and our straight allies to keep the struggle for LGBT rights somewhere near the top of their mind, both consciously and subconsciously.
Now personally, in my humble opinion, Blackbird was designed to generate advertising revenue from companies trying desperately to reach the Black community. Per the Blackbird web site: Blackbird is free for you because it is supported by advertising and sponsorships. You don't pay to use Blackbird. It's a money-making project so just be honest and call it that. I ain't hatin' about that either, because we all need to pay the bills.
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