In continuation of our previous post on Black Writers in Technology, we are currently working our way through “Race After Technology” by Ruha Benjamin. This quote taken from early on in the book and is representative of Benjamin’s larger discussion about the “New Jim Code” laws.
Benjamin uses this concept to examine the range of algorithmic and technological designs that contribute to racial inequities. As the book progresses, Benjamin demonstrates that designs which appear to neutralize systems of inequality can actually contribute to social divisions and discriminatory practices. In turn, efforts to eliminate bias through technology may end up amplifying racial tensions and injustices.
More from the text: “the New Jim Code”: the employment of new technologies that reflect and reproduce existing inequities but that are promoted and perceived as more objective or progressive than the discriminatory systems of a previous era.” (Benjamin)
Stay tuned for more insight on “Race After Technology” as well as other books on our reading list, and if you’re reading along, comment your insight on this book below!
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This resource was originally posted to the @ thealgorithmicyou Instagram page on July 10, 2020.
the/algorithmic/you 