Marginal+Voices+in+Cyberspace

=** Mitra, Amanda & Watts, Eric."  ****  Theorizing Cyberspace:The Idea of Voice Applied to the Internet Discourse"  **= New Media & Society December 1, 2002 4 :  479 - 498

Abstract
This article offers the idea of voice as a way to think of cyberspace and the internet. It is argued that web pages represent the presence of individuals and institutions representing what they have to say. Consequently, we would argue that a robust construct such as voice might offer an unique theoretical lens through which to examine the internet and cyberspace phenomenon. This article argues that cyberspace can be conceptualized as a discursive space, and calls for a textual/discursive/rhetorical analysis focusing on the eloquence of representation as a principal means by which people and institutions voice themselves in this space.

=Argument= This article explores the role of the internet and the way a person is represented online. Mitra and Watts claim that since the exponential growth of the internet the role of the user or online persona has become extremely important. The authors argue that a person’s web persona should be a well thought out and well organized appearance to represent one self in the best light. The authors use claims and terminology from several well-known educators to back up their statements.

=Key Passages= There are five key sections in the article that explain the main points of the piece:

1. Voice 2. Voice and Cyberspace 3. Voice and Power in Cyberspace 4. Legitimizing Power in Cyberspace 5. Acknowledgment, Voice, and Cyberspace

=Selected Cited Sources= Applebaum, D. (1990) //Voice//. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press.

Bakhtin, M. M. (1986) //Speech Genres and Other Late Essays//. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press.

Cybercultures Reader, pp. 29-45. New York Routledge.  