Invest in a Future, Buy a Computer
The digital divide, debated extensively in recent years, is a very real phenomenon supported by scholarly documentation and data. Also documented is the impact that race has on this gap between the technological haves and have-nots.
What this means, quite distressingly, is that the minority community has limited access to vital information and technology. The lack of technological expertise in minority communities further aggravates the existing social, economic and civic disparities. This particularly poses a problem for the African American community. For the Latino community, the language barrier results in a similar obstacle. Unfortunately, minorities, low-income families and seniors are in the slow lane on the Information Superhighway. If we allow our constituency to fall further behind in the race to obtain and access information, we may never recover from the grim foreseeable impact.
There are some programs and individuals who are concerned with Internet and computer access in the minority communities and they have made innovative strides to equip these communities with the adequate tools and access to excel in the new economy. In Inglewood, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, recognizing the need to bridge the digital divide, donated $97,000 for the purchase of 28 state-of-the-art computers that are available to our residents at the main library and its branches. In addition to computer access, classes also are offered in online techniques. We are proud of the classes in Internet technology that are also offered in Spanish. Our goal is to eliminate any barriers that will deter access to the computer and the Internet. I urge residents to avail themselves and their children of this free program.
We must make proactive strides to equip our local schools with the necessary tools to allow our students to succeed in the new economy. We are exploring options, resources and strategies to make this happen.
In this new millennium, information technology means the computer and the Internet. Computer prices are plummeting. Expanded software options are specifically designed to fit your unique family unit and are generally included with the price of your computer. This may be the ideal time to negotiate for the computer that meets the specific needs of your family. The cost of Internet services is comparable to basic cable fees. So off with the TV and on with new technology.
In addition to the Internet, you can also obtain software for your teenagers to assist in their preparation for college entrance exams; as well as algebraic software for your middle-school students; or alphabet and mathematical training for your youngest offspring presented in a fun and educational format.
This holiday season, skip the scooters, designer sneakers, clothes and PlayStation toys that may not survive Christmas Day. Instead, please invest in your family’s future and buy a home computer. You can make the difference in whether your family merely survives or competently thrives in the new millennium.
