The non-existent digital divide

Wish I'd said that!

[Reprinted from Issues & Views October 29, 2001]

There is an ongoing concern that the poor and minorities are not up to speed with the rest of America when it comes to computer technology. It's called the "digital divide." But, like many other modern complaints about race, class and equality, claims of technological segregation are more hot air than true discrimination.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) claim this technology gap is enormous. They portray anyone who doesn't own a computer as a victim--condemned to financial and intellectual slavery. Rep. Maxine Waters once said, "Until we eradicate the divide that is growing between those who have access to the Net and those who do not have access, we must press on. We cannot afford to leave behind any of our children in this Information Age. Failure to bridge the gap will relegate our sons and daughters to sit in the backseat of the technology train on the Information Superhighway."

To bridge the gap, the CBC wants the government to cater to the underprivileged. They seek taxpayer support to buy computers and access. They believe more government spending and more programs are the only solutions to aid those thought to be missing out on opportunities readily available to the wealthy.

These e-welfare activists appear not to notice the growing numbers of minorities and people of lower incomes who have bridged the digital divide by hopping across the gap on their own. A report by the U.S. Department of Commerce released in October 2000 found more people are connecting to the Internet than ever. This includes blacks and Hispanics, women and people at every age, location, income and educational level. All of the things liberals want the government to provide are already being addressed by natural forces of the free market without the need for taxpayer-financed programs. All the hype appears to simply be political opportunism.

Stiff competition within the industry has new computers priced as low as $200. If a bargain can't be found on a new computer, a perfectly good used one can be found through auctions, private sales or company giveaways. Internet access is also easy and affordable, and does not necessarily require computer ownership if Web TV is used. One can also visit a library to plug into the Internet. Service providers such as Juno offer both free Internet access and e-mail.

Throughout history, the first to own new innovations like in-home electricity, telephone, automobile and even indoor plumbing have typically been the wealthy. As time progressed, however, prices fell. Those in lower economic standing were able to afford the technologies that eventually became essentials for living. Not everyone has obtained the latest computer innovations, but minorities are not the forlorn souls peering across the great precipice of the digital divide that some claim.

It's time we grow up, stop blaming others for what we don't have and start accepting responsibility while reaching for the privilege of attaining our dreams. All it takes to bridge the digital divide is an assertive mind and dedicated action.

-- Melissa Wiedbrauk, research associate, Project 21.

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