The Underlying and Undermining- What Our Digital Environments Represent

Atlanta, like any major city in America, looks to progress by bringing in new business, residents, and improving the local environment. Idealistically, improvement would be mean progressive and agreeable changes for everyone in the area. Unfortunately, in the real world certain groups are left behind or purposely hindered from said improvement.

Logo of for the Central Atlanta Progress Inc

The Central Atlanta Progress Inc. has been in operation since 1941. The group is dedicated to providing services that help maintain and stimulate the Downtown Atlanta area- namely through economic means with the help of investment by businesses in the area. CAP also works in association with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, another partnership with public and private sectors to help with the livability of the city.

The organization’s president, A.J. Robinson, “manages the overall strategic functions of the organizations which are designed to make the Downtown Atlanta community more livable, vital and diverse.” (link) (“A.J. Robinson (President, Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District,” WNBA.com).

In print that sounds great. Diversity and progression are words we (millennials especially) love to hear. CAP’s initiatives like Trees Atlanta, COPA Inc (to improve the Centennial Park area), and the Downtown Green Source Program. These plans have brought back a good payout for the city- tourism, capital, general environmental improvements.

However, when it comes to the bigger picture who is actually  benefiting from the changes CAP and ADID have brought to the Atlanta area? Maybe it is everyone, maybe it is a certain class of people. Whichever the case, the digital environment of CAP presents a slanted idea of “diversity” in the downtown Atlanta area. The environment, especially through digital images, doesn’t fairly represent what one might actually see walking down Peachtree Street.

Out CAP’s executive board of 21 people, 17 are white. The last U.S. census recorded (link) says that 54% of the Atlanta population is African American, 38% are white, and 8% Asian, Hispanic, or other (“Atlanta City Georgia Quick Facts.” Census.gov).. Now does that seem like a proper board to help promote interests of the population?

Shot of the playground found at Woodruff Park
Shot of the playground found at Woodruff Park
A screenshot of the homepage for CAP
A screenshot of the homepage for CAP

In the picture to right we see Woodruff Park as shown in a video (link) sponsored by CAP. A picture similar can be found on the front page of their website. The problem with these images is almost similar to false advertising.

If you were to visit the park and walk the length of it you would notice copious amounts of homeless people and a majority of the homeless people being African American.  According to the 2015 Homelessness Report (link) distributed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 65% of Georgia’s homeless are African American. 500+ homeless persons are found in Fulton County (“2015 Report on Homelessness,” dca.ga.gov).

Said video, “The Real Downtown Atlanta” (link) takes us down Peachtree, all the way to the Sweet Auburn Market, and we see a snip bit of Centennial Olympic park. Real downtown Atlanta is more than white collar business people, but for some reason that is the only kind of person presented to the viewer.

Interestingly enough, almost all of the images that feature the working class are African American people. When African American people are depicted as part of the business class, there will always be one or more white people as well.

The main CAP website also creates binaries through other photos throughout their site. I noted that a majority of the photos depicting Atlantan’s enjoying a night on the town or the activities that Atlanta has to offer are white people. With 62% of Atlanta’s population being non white, these photos may not attest to a real night on the town depending on the area (“Atlanta City Georgia Quick Facts.” Census.gov).

A map depicting places where gentrification has taken place in Atlanta
A map depicting places where gentrification has taken place in Atlanta

The area’s of Atlanta that have undergone gentrification are depicted in dark blue. This data covers the 2000 census to present day (“Atlanta Gentrification Maps and Data,” governing.com). Interestingly enough those areas fall in line with the areas that CAP have focused on. A rise in area income, house value, and college degrees  is never a bad scenario, however a problem does arise in leaving out or pushing out half of a cities population-as previously mentioned.

Clearly there are still African American people in the Atlanta area. Unfortunately, this problem of binary thinking and unfair misrepresentation from the real world to the digital environment is more than just a CAP issue.

According to the 2015 CAP annual report (link) big names in business and in the Atlanta area support the efforts made by CAP.  Creative Loafing, UPS, Zipcar, The Fox Theatre, The Tabernacle, the Georgia Institute of Technology,  churches, hotel chains, law firms, and construction companies are among the some 172 members. Partners to CAP include the Atlanta Police Foundation, American Institute of Architects- Georgia, and Sustainable Solutions Georgia, LLC among 38 others. Currently their “Be Downtown” campaign is being funded by names like Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Falcons, and Georgia Power.

I looked at each website for the businesses explicitly listed above to see if the same binary trends displayed on CAP’s website were present and voilà!

A screenshot from a page on the Coca-Cola website
A screenshot from a page on the Coca-Cola website

Not only just a majority of white people in photos show up, but only African American and white people generally can be found. On Coca-Cola’s page about employment and diversity,  photos most predominantly feature white males. Ironic, is it not, as diversity is supposed to represent an assortment of different things.

Even the websites that had as many African Americans as white people, there was an alarming amount of no one else! It is almost like an unspoken rule throughout all of the websites that as long as there is at least one African American person in a photo it is diverse. However, as diversity is an assortment of different things as previously stated- more specifically in this case those things being race. Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander. If it is on a “race category” for a job application to one of these businesses, why aren’t these people being represented digitally?

The scary part about this when it relates back to Central Atlanta Progress is that members and partners have a definite say in what is happening in the city, where the money is going, and what that means for the people that live here. With the numerous amounts of different kinds of companies CAP works with, it is alarming to find trends so blatant across all their digital environments.

It becomes a kind of network that creates inherent inequalities in the digital realm. These inequalities then support gentrification and leaving out groups in the real world because one visiting the area would not expect to see certain groups anyways.

As of 2016, 88% of adults in America use the internet in America. The internet is practically another world now and the way information is processed through it is impactful. We become programmed by the subliminal, little things in the photos we see become big things.

Livability does not mean push out the people an upper middle class America does not want to see or hide certain groups on digital platforms. These ideas of progress and diversity are severely thwarted with misrepresentation.

Works Cited
“A.J. Robinson (President, Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District).” DREAM. WNBA, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. <http://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/dream/community/robinson_bio.html>.
“Atlanta City Georgia Quick Facts.” Census.gov. United States Census Bureau, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2016. <http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/1304000#flag-js-X>.
“Atlanta Gentrification Maps and Data.” Atlanta Gentrification Maps and Data. E.Republic, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. <http://www.governing.com/gov-data/atlanta-gentrification-maps-demographic-data.html>.
AtlantaDowntown. “The Real Downtown Atlanta.” YouTube. YouTube, 07 Nov. 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDzdqjh1FRE>.
Central Atlanta Progress | Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. Central Atlanta Progress, Inc, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2016. <http://www.atlantadowntown.com/>.
“2015 Report on Homelessness.” GEORGIA’S 14,000 (2015): n. pag. DCA GA. Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Sept. 2015. Web. <https://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/documents/HomelessnessReport2015.pdf>.
“United States Internet Users.” U.S. Internet Users. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2016. <http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/us/>.

957 thoughts on “The Underlying and Undermining- What Our Digital Environments Represent

  • Great Post!
    Gets Coupon (https://www.getscoupon.com/) is a global coupons and deals website. You can easily find most of brands or websites’ latest deals or promo codes. You can also find review articles for many brands, such as BeddingInn reviews in 2022.

  • The education is necessary because through this you become an expert and get acknowledge about different important aspects. Education software will help children and elders to teach themselves reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. https://www.dumpscafe.com/ Exam Dumps Questions provide authentic IT Certification exam preparation material guaranteed to make you pass on the first attempt.

  • The subsidization of state-space programs has significantly increased both in the USA and in Europe, UK space news. This attracts more private organizations to cooperate, which have something to offer in the form of innovation and the help of various kinds of business.

  • Just awesome information boss.
    I’m glad to see your informative post here and I really appreciate your efforts thanks for sharing information keep it up satta matka .

  • EXPERIENCED LICENSED BREEDER – EXCELLENT HOME PUG PUPPIES PLEASED TO INTRODUCE A LITTER OF 5 BOYS AND 2 GIRLS PUGS.
    VERY HEALTHY AND STRONG, BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLES OF THE STUNNING PUG BREED. EXCELLENT HOME PUPPIES BREEDER RULES FOLLOWED AND SUPPORTED EVIDENCE IS AVAILABLE.

    PUG PUPPIES FOR SALE NEAR ME
    PUG PUPPIES FOR SALE
    PUG PUPPY FOR SALE
    PUG PUPPIES FOR SALE NEAR ME
    PUG PUPPY FOR SALE NEAR ME
    PUG PUPPY
    PUG PUPPIES
    CHEAP PUG PUPPIES FOR SALE

  • I have Male and female pug puppies. They are 12 weeks old. Both fawn, white and black. They have been home raised around children and other dogs. They are eating soft food and started on hard food. They have papers.

    Visit our website link to view more puppies
    PUG PUPPY FOR SALE NEAR ME

    Pug Puppies for Sale Under $500 Near Me,
    cheap pugs for sale,
    pug puppies for sale near me,
    pug puppies for sale under 500,
    pug for sale near me,
    pug puppy for sale,
    pug puppy,
    pug for sale,
    pug puppies for sale in pa,
    pugs for sale,
    pug puppies for sale,
    teacup pug puppies for sale

  • I was looking for another article by chance and found your article casinosite I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.

  • City Relocation Services – We offer best packers and movers service in Pune. You can find suitable options for home shifting services, office shifting services, car relocation and other packers and movers service.

  • The real CBD advantages are always exposed to the best scrutiny when people try taking it for a month to see results.

    Researchers advise that people with chronic pain should consider taking small doses of CBD at first and then raise the daily dose gradually.

    For more info: buy CBD oil online

  • Looking at this article, I miss the time when I didn’t wear a mask. keonhacai Hopefully this corona will end soon. My blog is a blog that mainly posts pictures of daily life before Corona and landscapes at that time. If you want to remember that time again, please visit us.

  • Hey buddies I am new here and I want to share some info about the game. The best run 3 game for girls and youth are now launched and normally people play this game for a time pass but this game is amazing and I also used to play this game. You guys at least try this game and then tell me how it is.

  • Amazing post. In the eventuality that you are unable to open your website, then I will refer you to one article about play snake read this site and get this information.

  • Do you want to form a company in Dubai’s free zone? You should choose Dubai Multi Commodities (DMCC) as the place. These authorities will help you with comprehensive company formation services in Dubai. These companies will help you find a partner who can help you with comprehensive company formation needs and ensure you get all the required certificates to set up your company. Their services will help you get the best deal and run your business efficiently within the free zone. With their help, you can take better steps to take your business to the next level and set up your company in the free zone. They have worked with a range of clients in the industry and are known to provide the most comprehensive services in the market. With their help, you will get the most comprehensive team working for you and you will be able to integrate better efficiency into your business. They have years of experience in the industry and offer a wide range of expert services to their clients. You can rely on them to understand your varying needs and help you with a range of business operations. Browse the comprehensive service they offer and set up a business in the free zone with the help of a reliable partner today!

  • Your search for the best foodstuff & beverages providers in Dubai is now over. Have a look at the list of top names in the industry. These suppliers have been providing a variety of products to customers and ensuring the best quality across all products. These firms follow all the safety standards and manufacture their products using the best methods. You will find a variety of the best products that will be perfect for your varying requirements. You can browse the collection of top firms in the industry and choose an ideal partner that you can rely on. They manufacture the highest quality products that are safe to consume. You can browse a variety of products and choose the best ones for yourself. Go through the collection of top companies in the market and find your ideal supplier today!
    https://dcciinfo.ae/foodstuff-and-beverages-trading-dubai/10888

  • Digital Environments takes online identity formation as its central focus, and students will read, think, and write through the ways in which the myriad digital spaces we navigate work together or not form a cohesive or fractured identity online. take my class

  • The Underlying and Undermining is a book that gives an insight into the world of domestic abuse. The book takes you through the history of the abuse, its effects on the victim, and what they can do to escape. Book Writing Services

  • The current digital environment is inundated with content and information, often in the form of data. However, this is not a new phenomenon. From a historical perspective, there has always been a significant amount of information, albeit in different forms. For example professional book writing service, there was an extensive library of knowledge, such as the library at Alexandria. In the early 20th century, many of the advancements in the world were documented and documented for all to see in the form of articles and books. In the digital age, the difference is that we have created a world that is inundated with information and content. The question is whether or not this represents a shift in the way we understand the world and the way we interact with it. The information age has shifted the way we interact with the world. The digital age has changed the way we interact with information. The underlining and undermining- what our digital environments represent.

  • Sell your house fast Milton ON, We can be called by 647-277-5154 or simply complete the above given form. Just provide the basic details like the address of your property and street address, phone and email. Reviews and testimonials can also be read and you’ll be aware that we’ll assist you to sell your home if you decide to sell your house to us. Don’t delay to let us walk you through our easy-to-use offer. We provide the best guidance on selling and buying houses based on the experience of helping homeowners pay off their home’s debts after their houses are sold. We are a trusted Ontario Home Buyer company who will offer an affordable cash price for your home today.

  • Lose Weight With Egg : Eggs are touted for other physical health benefits, including vitamin D, but now a new study has found that they can help with weight control, including reducing obesity.

    According to research published in the medical journal ‘Science Direct’, a short but comprehensive study conducted by Spanish experts found that daily consumption of eggs not only helps in weight control but also reduces body fat and obesity. decreases.

    A study conducted by the University of Casilla La Mancha on more than 350 students between the ages of 18 and 30 showed that daily consumption of eggs not only helps in weight loss but also helps in reducing body mass index. (BMI) is also better and stronger.

  • Sell your house fast Milton ON, We can be called by 647-277-5154 or simply complete the above given form. Just provide the basic details like the address of your property and street address, phone and email. Reviews and testimonials can also be read and you’ll be aware that we’ll assist you to sell your home if you decide to sell your house to us. Don’t delay to let us walk you through our easy-to-use offer. We provide the best guidance on selling and buying houses based on the experience of helping homeowners pay off their home’s debts after their houses are sold. We are a trusted Ontario Home Buyer company who will offer an affordable cash price for your home today.

  • free seo tools
    Our aim to make search engine optimization (SEO) easy. We provide simple, professional-quality SEO analysis and critical SEO monitoring for websites. By making our free SEO tools intuitive and easy to understand, we’ve helped thousands of small-business owners, webmasters and SEO professionals improve their online presence. Our solutions are designed for all skill levels, and we’ve helped thousands of users focus on what really matters

  • woman health
    Womanunique is your health, fitness, weight loss, women’s health website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the health industry.

Leave a Reply to Chat Sansar Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *