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• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 6/20/2009 2:09 PM UTC

  Why African Americans Can't Live Without The Internet
  

  Why African American's Can't Live Without the Internet
  
  Employment:  The Internet or Web 2.0 is essential to obtaining and keeping a job and starting a career. Increasingly, companies are moving their recruitment energies online, larger numbers of job-seekers are putting their resumes, vitas’ and portfolios onto career sites on the Web. This gives them additional exposure and faster response time. The “Greening” of America means less reliance on paper (hard copies) and more capability for multimedia presentations than just textual information. Frequently, those without Internet access find themselves taking what's left after the electronic job matches already have been made and these jobs are rare. Those already "on the job" are finding that the Internet is giving a whole new meaning to digital networking and applicational success. Office workers without Internet access will be increasingly at a disadvantage, as companies move to increase their numbers of "teleworkers", digital managers of information and data professionals.
  
  Religion:  The great commission has progressed from the pulpit to a digital environment. Churches and religious organizations are using streaming video and audio to bring the word to the people using the Internet. Those that are homebound or hospitalized can still receive services from their church provided they are online and offering streaming services or may select another ministry inline with their biblical and religious teachings.The expansion of digital services has allow Pastors like Bishop T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr. and Bishop George L. Davis; and others to spread the gospel to those needing “a word”. Just as Jesus traveled to where the people were and taught, the Internet allows those with a message to go where they physically cannot and touch lives that would not have been possible without online access.
  
  Government:  The words "government" and "downsizing" often are heard in the same sentence. On the local, state, and federal level, the Internet is a big part of efforts to slim down government budgets. Just as we have heard in California, parts of Florida and even our nations capital; Washington, D.C. The idea is to make interactions with the public more efficient, by putting information online and cutting down bureaucracy. Those without Internet access or limited access will find themselves holding the phone longer, with fewer and fewer government workers on the other end to answer. Government contracts and grants are located online and plug-ins are needed to view .pdf files, .ppt presentations and the like.
  
  Health Care:  If you need emergency treatment for a toothache, how do you find a dentist, in the middle of the night? Many HMOs now offer benefits and enrollment information 24 x 7 x 365, on the Web. Diabetes is one of many ailments that affect minorities disproportionately. What's the best way to manage it? What foods can I eat or not eat. Some medical facilities now have the ability to monitor diabetic patients' blood-sugar levels remotely, online. Hospitals, private practitioners, and medical researchers are turning to the Web, putting up sites offering important information to the general public. American medicine information is now competing against foreign medical experts in the world, but Internet access is essential to getting the best information which can save a life. Online medical information can empower the patient.
  
  Business:  Small businesses owned by minorities are multiplying rapidly in the U.S., women are considered a minority in America, and the Internet is becoming an essential part of doing business. We live in a multinational/international society that continues to work around the clock. The Internet is not constrained by national nor international borders. Companies and government entities are turning to the Web to choose contractors, suppliers, buyers, marketing people, using business-to-business, or B2B, resources. Some economists have estimated that B2B e-commerce purchases will reach $4.4 trillion in 2003, with $135 billion of that representing minority procurement activity. Businesses not on the 'Net will find it difficult to survive on a smaller and smaller share of the pie. Connecting to the net allows for diversity, peer collaboration and networking on a global scale. The diversification of a business does not mean they have offices on foreign soils, but their employees have web access and the tools need to complete the contract or job.
  
  Education:  The Internet and Web 2.0 are transforming education in U.S. public schools. They are working under a government mandate to be wired to the Internet, schools -- public and private, K-12 and college and even libraries -- are making use of it: distributing and collecting homework by e-mail; holding virtual classes in chat rooms; broadcasting lectures by streaming video; "Distance learning," using information technology, is one of the fastest-growing segments of adult education. Even many professional tutors are taking their services online. And for prospective college students, the Internet offers the best way to search for scholarship dollars. Those without Internet access will miss out on many educational opportunities. Now more than every in the history of the written and spoken word people can obtain an education. Online information management is through WebCT, Moodle and Blackboard and others that are available online.
  
  Shopping:   More and more consumer transactions are being done online. It is more efficient and definitely more convenient for shoppers, because it allows them to shop from the comfort of their own homes. Consumers are able to take advantage of the best prices through online auctions, which allow shoppers to name their own prices for goods or services. And, when "traditional" routes fail, the Internet often is the only way to get that hard-to-find item you really want, or need. Be aware of unsecured sites on the web or those that ask you for personal information that is not consistent with a business transaction. The term “buyer beware” should always be in mind.
  
  Communication:  E-mail is by far the most inexpensive and efficient way to communicate with persons anywhere in the world. Web sites now offer e-mail services free of charge, blogging accounts, posting of pictures and other types of communication. Internet Web sites, e-mail, and more advanced technologies such as Internet phone service and videoconferencing, are tools to organize communities and strengthen social bonds within and between minority and non-minorities communities. The explosion of social networks allow for those with similar ideologies, religious and political frameworks to communicate and discuss, debate and agree on issues that face us not just as a nation, but the world.
  
  Social Networking:  People will judge your social site or web site by its cover. Those visiting your web site or your social page will judge the kind of person you are and the kind of business you have. Almost without saying, you only have that one chance to make a good impression that first time.. Representing who you are; your social networking profile or blog, they represent you. How you run your business, your professionalism and dedication is summed up online with the content you create. More often then not, people will automatically associate the quality of your product or service with the quality of your web site, profile, or blog which should the case. If your site is clean and good then you will provide a clean and professional service. Research has proven that website visitors are directly affected by the visual aspects of a website this will determine if they will change from a visitor to a buyer/purchaser of your services.

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