Do less blacks use the web than their white American counterparts? According to the Pew Study on Internet Usage, the answer is yes, but this study is also quick to point out that it's not simply about color, it's a mixture of things. However, according to Leonce Gaiter, author of Is the Web too Cool for Blacks, “the web makes fun of our fundamental beliefs, our fundamental desires. (page 643)'; Gaiter categorically states that the majority of white Americans are ignorant of black culture. He doesn't take the time to address the other legitimate reasons for the shortage of blacks, but continues to talk about prejudice and racism, without even stopping to document the proper sources. Have morals and values changed in America and left blacks behind? According to Gaiter, the web cannot help us realize our ideals of the 1950s and 1960s (p 643).'; Black people still want the traditional “American Dream”; Well, what is “traditional”; American dream? Maybe the dream is to have a nice car, a nice house and a good job. But unlike Gaiter, I believe these are the same things we want today. Nothing has changed except that entrepreneurs have emerged with the growth of the Web. People are finding ways to earn money through avenues they never imagined. The “American Dream”; as we know, it has not disappeared or been left behind, it has simply been revised to include family time and personal goals. Although racism has decreased in today's society, it still poses a threat to bringing people to the web. Nowadays, black people are not the only ones who are discriminated against: they are all minorities. In studies conducted, of the online community, only 23% are non-white. For this reason, non-whites feel uncomfortable with the idea of having conversations with those who under normal circumstances would show prejudice against them. President Clinton stated that his goal was to have a computer in every home by the end of his term. But how many people will want to access the web if it is considered “white”?'; Gaiter said the web is considered “white”; and so people stay away to avoid trouble, even if given the opportunity. The only issue that Leonce Gaiter hasn't fully addressed is the economy. With the number of people receiving government assistance growing every day, the economy is a big problem. Studies have shown that among the majority of those who do not use the Internet, at least 35% are at an economic disadvantage.
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