Racial Discourse Networks: Race Blogs, Media Influence & the Possibilities for Collective Action

Abstract

In this paper I analyze the network structure of race blogs in relation to the broader political blogosphere and traditional media landscape. Findings show that race blogs exhibit a multi-level, homophilous link structure with respect to non-race blogs, and among race blogs. Race blogs also frame their content in racial terms, unlike their non-race blog counterparts. I argue that these differences set race blogs apart from political blogs and warrant using a different theoretical lens to understand their nature and role within the U.S. political and media landscape. Specifically, I argue that race blogs should be viewed not only through the theoretical lens of political and media influence, but also through the lens of collective action.

Keywords: race, blogs, collective action, racial justice, news networks, political communication, media and activism, race and media, network analysis, social networks