Reflection Blog - Weeks 9 - 12 - Nakia D. Willis

Nakia Willis Information Technology Ethics – Blog 3 Segment Review Blog – Weeks Ten, Eleven and Twelve The content covered throughout weeks ten through twelve dealt with a few interesting social topics tied into the world of information ethics. I enjoyed the discussions for this segment of the course, especially the subject of the use of technology and how it relates to racism. In reviewing the postings, it seemed that many in the class were divided when it came to this topic, simply due to the conflict that it presents in regards to free speech rights in this country. As the discussion progressed, class members brought up areas that I had not thought about such as rhetoric on gaming systems, something that I am now more aware of since gaming is a practice of my teen-age son (I know, I’m dating myself). The conversations and readings regarding gender in the field of information technology was not something that I had not thought of on a personal level. However, because of the inequitable number of women in fields such as technology, mathematics and engineering, the divide will most likely cause a lack of consideration when it comes to gender related topics in the IT world. Because IT is not a career path often chosen by women, much like the topic of race, discrimination regarding gender will probably continue until the numbers equal out a touch (Mankiw, 2011). Week eleven continued on a path of interesting social topics including the issue of IT in the political realm; specifically whether or not the Internet is a forum used best for positive advancement or negative declination regarding politics. Many seemed to agree that within the political world, the prevailing trend is leaning towards those who agree with the choice candidate’s point of view. In this respect, the Internet is definitely contributing to a shift in the direction of polarization as people tend to gravitate to things/places that interest them. Week twelve involved a discussion concerning the ethics of using technology in war. This was very interesting because in my view, the irony of the ability of the US to respond to terrorist threats with technology. In my opinion, the issue of ethics in reference to responding to a terrorist attack should be a moot point. My reason is simple, if someone attacks civilians unannounced, or attacks out of uniform, or without warning, then the group or persons carrying out the attack do not deserve any sort of ethical or traditional considerations when it comes to a counterattack. Reference: Mankiw, G.(2011). Principals of Microeconomics. 6th Edition.