Virtual citizenship and diasporic discourse

Abstract

The term diaspora is somewhat complex and has disputed meanings. This paper defines virtual citizens as residents of online communities with diasporic backgrounds as either intellectuals or with cultural affinity to the homeland in question. Our diasporic discourses are engagements through the use of new media technology, in cultural dislocation, social disorientation, political discontent, self-disclosure, geographical displacement and, most importantly of difference. Through these engagements this paper highlights some of the roles of diasporic citizens in dealing with the effects of colonial, postcolonial and, capitalist global market economy on the lives of people in their homeland. It analyses how new media technology has redefined diaspora and, through an investigation of some online groups how these diasporic citizens have appropriated media technologies to reconnect with their homeland as well as help bring to world attention issues confronting developing nations. While the paper takes a broad view of diasporic discourse it focuses attention on Africans in the diaspora.