Debugging the Silicon Dream

The California Studies Association is having their annual conference on April 24, 2009 at De Anza College, in Cupertino.

The CSA has been around for over 20 years.  A lively mix of academics, activists, and public servants, it brings together people with an interest in California issues as it seeks to nurture a progressive agenda on the same.

This year’s conference theme–“Debugging the Silicon Dream: Real Life in a Virtual World“–promises to be a stimulating exploration on the gulf between the California “tech dream” and the lived realities it both relies upon and produces.  I will be chairing a panel on immigration to the region, probing the ways California’s present and future continue to rely upon immigrants while not providing for their human needs.  We’ll be looking at how immigration shapes identity; how immigrants participate in local labor politics; and how local service providers create meaningful ways to better meet immigrants’ needs.

Admission is FREE to all students with a valid I.D. and with a suggested contribution of $35 to all others. I know for a fact nobody will be turned away, however, that $35 paid in advance via pre-registration will guarantee you food for the day and one year’s membership in the CSA (normally $35).  Nice deal, no?