The emphasis on Black female’s contribution in advanced technologies is continued in Kgomotso Ramushu (2014) chapter, “Black girls are the future”. However the author notes the intersections of women of color who are represented in digital spaces. Ramushu (2014) studies the contribution of women in the African diaspora who blog about natural hair (p. 261). In Ramaushu’s (2014) study, she looks at the ways that these blogs are expanding information and communication technology (ICT) (p. 262) through black womanhood. While Ramaushu’s (2014) claims that a part of her study is to recognize the work of Black women in ICT (p. 261). Ramushu (2014) pays her honorable mentions to black female bloggers leading in ICT and doesn’t neglect to mention those who cannot participate in technological advances.
Ramushu (2014) notes, “while on one hand we are witnessing great advances, on the other many parts of the world have inadequate access to computers and poor connectivity” (p. 261, para 2). The author implies that women in underdeveloped countries are missing the opportunity to participate in the global movement of ICT because of a lack of access. Although Ramushu (2014) does not explicitly state what could be, it can be interpreted that if Black women without access to these technologies gained access to them, they would contribute significantly to ICT.
In the author's study, she situates herself as a black female blogger seeking to understand the needs, wants, and desires of the uncredited community of leaders in ICT. The author also seeks to validate the use of their techniques in a social capitalistic framework (p. 262, para 2). Ramushu (2014) writes, “I seek to develop some measure of understanding about the ICT activities and needs of young African women with a view to gaining insight into potentials ways to increase the interest and participation of women at all levels of ICT practice” (p. 262, para 2). Here, the author’s critical analysis illustrates the importance of situating research about Black women, from the interest of Black women.
In Ramushu’s (2014) view, natural hair blogs were a designated place for “psychic safety” (p. 263, para 1). There is in the context and environment because the internet is simultaneously safe and dangerous. Bloggers, particularly those vulnerable because of their identity are more exposed to online trolls, racists, and cowards who hide behind keyboards. Unless password protected with restrictions, anyone can comment, like, share, or criticize what you choose to share online. Yet, through the author’s observation, she witnessed the public communication between black bloggers on natural hair blogs which serves as a safe space for Black women.
I interpret the means of ICT within the black blogosphere to be a way for Black women to hide in plain side. The author made a conscious choice to study natural hair blogs because it serves as an oasis for Black women in the African diaspora. In this way, Black women can learn from each other and researchers alike can study them. The blogosphere is a wonderland for the underrepresented Black woman, and bloggers are using it to their advantage to share, meet, and explore the depths of their Black womanhood.
Ramushu, K. (2014). Black Girls are the Future: Blogging as a Gateway to Information Communication Technology and Enterprise Development. In Paths to Career and Success for Women in Science. (261-272). Kiel, Germany: Springer Science & Business Media