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Dear Readers, One of the most dangerous ceilings the Netroots must still shatter has nothing to do with crashing party gates or supplanting the influence of corporate lobbyists. No one seems to question our technological ability, our passion, or our talent. And while a very few are engaging in fascinating discussions of "citizen journalism" and how bloggers are redefining the medium of news reporting for the 21st century, that's unfortunately not what most people are talking about. No -- as in most social situations since the middle school cafeteria, stereotypes rule the day. What I learned from reading the coverage of Netroots Nation in my hometown of Austin, TX (as well as other coverage from general news reports from around the country) is that bloggers have a long way to go to shatter stereotypes that have been created and perpetuated over the last four years. These are stereotypes that were generated, largely, by different groups that wanted to see us fail -- including Democratic insiders during the rise of Howard Dean in 2003-04, the TV talking heads on national news networks that like to editorialize without the facts, and Republicans who don't appreciate the public holding them accountable for their crimes and corruption (a reason why plenty of Democrats don't like the Netroots, either). Some of it is our own fault -- there are characters within the netroots community that fit the caricature, as in all social circles. We all look a little like each other sometimes. Unfortunately, this caricature is the only way bloggers are understood by many people that comprise the larger factions that interact with politics -- whether it's the press, politicians, or the public at large. Most images and imaginings perceive the "typical blogger" to be something like this: - He's a he.
- He's white.
- He's young and inexperienced.
- He hates the traditional/mainstream media.
- He doesn't operate in the "real world" -- whatever that is.
- He isn't willing to compromise, and doesn't care what you think.
Obviously, there are many more superficial stereotypes, but these are the ones that are the most pressingly damaging to our efforts -- and the ones, not coincidentally, that are by far the most inaccurate. Well, it's time to correct those stereotypes. This week, I'll be writing a series titled "Shattering Blogger Stereotypes." It is my intention to inform everyone who reads the series about what's actually going on in the netroots, to dispel some of the more disastrous perceptions many appear to have of us, and to bring the conversation of our purpose front and center. I hope you enjoy the series. Part 1 later today will focus on gender in the blogosphere. Be sure to check back, and as always, thanks for reading. Sincerely, Phillip Martin Senior Adviser, Burnt Orange Report
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