What Is Blue State Privilege?

Blue state privilege is the idea that individuals who live in “blue states”—those that lean left politically—enjoy an advantage when it comes to Remote work opportunities. While certain aspects of this privilege remain hotly contested, its core concept is pretty simple. It relates to the fact that many Blue States offer better access to high-speed internet, reliable electricity, and other important resources, as well as a lower cost of living. This allows remote workers from blue states to more easily find quality job opportunities and competitive salaries.

In addition, blue state privilege also speaks to the preconceived beliefs about certain regions of the United States, particularly with regards to how employers view regional job candidates. If a company has a remote worker position available and they see two candidates—one from California and one from Texas—they may be more likely to choose the candidate from California because they are perceived to have better access to resources. This can lead to feelings of exclusion among job seekers in red state locations.

How the Pandemic Has Changed Our Working Lives

The pandemic has changed our working lives in a big way: remote work is now the norm for many of us, allowing us to stay safely in our homes while still staying productive at our jobs. But not all of us have had the same experience when it comes to this new working arrangement. In fact, some of us are living with what is known as Blue State Privilege: those of us living in blue states have access to more reliable internet connections and much higher rates of broadband access than those living elsewhere.

This privilege is a direct result of the digital divide that exists between states with higher levels of investment in infrastructure and those with less adequate connection services. As a result, those living in blue states are typically able to take advantage of opportunities for remote work that are simply not available to folks from other areas. This extra level of security has been especially beneficial during the pandemic, when many people were unable to find traditional employment or had their hours reduced due to businesses’ losses.

Blue State Privilege highlights the disparities between areas that have access to reliable internet connections and those that do not—and serves as an important reminder that remote work is not accessible for everyone, regardless of whether or not they have chosen it as an option.

The Importance of Access to Technology

Living in a blue state has its advantages when it comes to technology, especially when it comes to remote work. Blue states often provide access to faster internet speeds and more reliable networks, both of which are essential for working from home. This means that those who live in blue states can enjoy better video calls, faster uploads, and smoother conferencing sessions compared to their counterparts in red states.

Additionally, blue states typically have higher access to cutting-edge technology like 5G wireless networks which enable faster data speeds and a more reliable connection for remote workers who might be based in rural areas or require a stronger connection than what is available through traditional cable or DSL services. This helps those who live in blue states keep up with the latest trends in tech, providing them with an edge over those living in red states.

Furthermore, blue states tend to have higher levels of investment towards high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics which further enhance the advantages when it comes to remote work. This allows job seekers in blue states to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology trends and job opportunities that may not be available elsewhere.

All in all, blue state privilege gives people access to a wide range of benefits such as faster internet speeds and increased access to cutting-edge technology that may not be available elsewhere - something that definitely should not be taken for granted.

Impact of Remote Work on Communities of Color

While the coronavirus pandemic has allowed many to transition to remote work, the resources needed to make that transition are not equally distributed. There are communities of color around the country who face structural barriers that prevent them from taking advantage of the many benefits of remote work.

One example is access to reliable internet and computer hardware. According to a 2016 survey, only 63% of lower-income households had access to broadband internet as compared to 90% of higher-income households. Without reliable internet, workers living in rural or low-income areas are unable to take full advantage of remote work opportunities.

Another barrier is lack of networking and job opportunities outside of their communities. Lower income communities can be limited in their educational and job prospects, so even with today's technology allowing for remote working, those individuals may still not have access to the same jobs or career paths as those living in more affluent areas.

These issues lead to what has been called "Blue State Privilege". Those living in traditionally blue states with strong economies and supportive local governments often have a leg up on those living in red states where there isn't as much support for remote workers and individuals may not have access or knowledge about how or where to look for remote work opportunities. Many blue state businesses also have larger budgets devoted towards recruitment and will often pay a premium for skilled workers located within their region – something many rural and low-income households cannot participate in.

Understanding the Complexity of Privileged Access to Remote Work

The pandemic has highlighted the fact that, while everyone may face struggles, some are privileged when it comes to access to remote work. The idea of “blue state privilege” has come to the forefront of discussion as areas that were early adopters of technology, such as California and other tech hubs on the west coast, have had far greater access to remote work than other parts of the country.

For starters, those in blue states often have access to better broadband technology than those in red states and small towns. Because of this, many companies are based in blue states with access to faster speeds and more available software. Moreover, many tech jobs require workers with specialized skills - skills which tend to be concentrated in larger cities or metropolitan regions where there is more demand for high-level tech professionals.

Finally, employers primarily hire pre-existing talent with established networks which are concentrated within larger cities or metropolitan regions - something which further privileges those who live in places known for higher wages and more opportunity. This creates a cycle where those living in blue states have an advantage when it comes to remote work opportunities compared to those living outside these hubs.

Strategies to Support Those With Limited Access

If you are fortunate enough to be living in a blue state, you should use your privilege to help those who do not have the same access. Below are a few strategies you can take to directly support those with limited access:

Donate Resources

Many organizations are actively seeking donations of all kinds, including laptops, internet hotspots and other equipment to help those in need. Consider making a monetary donation to an organization already offering resources or, alternatively, donate unused items such as laptops and tech accessories. When donating, make sure the organization is legitimate and offers direct aid without taking any fees or commissions.

Volunteer Your Time

Reach out to local schools or nonprofits in your community that offer remote learning solutions for students and volunteers need help setting up technology or providing instruction remotely. You can also look for volunteer opportunities with remote companies that hire from rural areas and provide technical assistance remotely.

By leveraging your privilege of living in a blue state and having access to the resources needed for successful remote working arrangements, you have a chance of making the world more equitable for everyone. Supporting people with limited access is not only about providing them with basic needs; it's also about helping them find success online by providing them with access to technology, education and opportunity.