The database logic is very relevant to my thesis topic of the digital biography. I discuss the two main benefits of this new biography as being all of the multimedia content it can hold, as well as its ability to let users decide how they experience the biographically presented life. Manovich acknowledges this new format: “Another example of a database form is a multimedia genre that does not have an equivalent in traditional media—CD-ROMs devoted to a single cultural figure such as a famous architect, film director, or write. Instead of a narrative biography, we are presented with a database of images, sound recordings, video clips, and/or texts that can be navigated in a variety of ways” (220). He later says that the Internet holds this same function (220). I feel affirmed that he agrees with me that the digital biography is fundamentally something new.

In her article “Postmodern Blackness,” bell hooks shows that the largely avant-garde concept of postmodernism is not only interesting in theory, but potentially progressive in application. She refers to its “deconstruction of ‘master’ narratives” (point 9) and its “critique of essentialism…to affirm multiple black identities” (point 11). Stereotypes can be redefined, and marginalized voices can be heard. That is the ideal application of postmodernism.

I wanted to address two ways in which these ideas have impacted me. First of all, I did a research project this summer that involved the creation of an online biography. As my subject, I chose my grandmother, and in my academic analysis of my project, I described the importance of presenting previously silenced perspectives on history. Because she is a Mexican woman who was dealt with stereotypes of gender, religion, etc., her voice is marginalized. In writing this explanation, I had no idea that it connected so directly to the heart of postmodernism, that elusive word that always get tossed around in high circles of culture in the ivory tower of academia. Reading bell hooks’ article has helped me to feel more of a personal connection and interest in this concept. (The online biography of my grandmother is at http://abuelitarosita.com/ and the academic discussion is located under the “Discussion” tab.)