Beyond "Dudecore"? Challenging Gendered and "Raced" Technologies Through Media Activism

This article follows media activists trying to transform the media system by broadening access to technology and skills. These activists intend for technological engagement to be compatible with a range of social identities, but their hopes are not always achieved. It is difficult to cultivate forms of technical affinity and expertise not associated with White masculinity, though the activists are more successful with regard to inclusion of women than of people of color. This case study provides an opportunity to analyze how social and personal identities may shape, and be shaped through, interactions with communication technologies, as well as the ramifications of technologically-oriented activism in the wider array of efforts to secure a more democratic media environment.