Old Things and New Things

Hello everyone.

I don't write on this thing very much, do I?

Well that's about change...slightly!

First, here is a link to my Sociology undergraduate these. The subject is the creation of Latino/a racial identity in Second Life. I'm posting it for posterity in hopes that it will serve a purpose to someone, somewhere researching the same thing. Here's the abstract:

ABSTRACT: This study examines Latino/a identity in the online virtual world known as Second Life. The author has analyzed data taken from 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews with self-identified Latino/a users in Second Life. Additionally, data is also used from field notes and participant observation in the in-game nightclub known as La Boniquita. The author highlights patterns in the data that suggest reasons for why a pan-ethnic Latino/a consciousness has emerged in the Latin communities of Second Life. Special attention is paid to the use of language, both English and Spanish, in order to explain patterns of inequality. The author frames the existence of Latino/a users as being a group that is discriminated against, both institutionally and through social exchange with other users. The author concludes that the community and solidarity witnessed in Second Life Latino/a communities can be linked to members’ shared experience in terms of cultural similarities and situational forces, both of which parallel the creation of Latino/a ethnic consciousness in the real world.

Also, henceforth I will incorporate writings more broadly related to videogames and technology. I don't think it's prudent to focus so much on the race/oppression and videogames angles, plus I also have a lot more to day about other game/tech related things. So be on the lookout!