On Episode 25 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we have the first of a series of rewind episodes. I am joined by author and journalist, Meredith Broussard to talk about the bias baked into our technology. Yes, we are talking about racist technology.
Racism is Baked Into Everything!
From self-driving cars to soap dispensers, we discuss all of the different forms of technology that have been created without taking into consideration the diversity of the consumers using said technology. Meredith Broussard, the author of the award-winning book, Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World, breaks down how and why most technology is racist (hint: part of the reason why is because the tech field is woefully white and homogenous), but she also gives us ideas about how we consumers can fight back against the bias.
If you want to learn even more about racist technology and the bias baked into our phones, computers and algorithms, then watch the new documentary that Meredith Broussard appears in called Coded Bias. It just premiered at Sundance and dives deep into the dangers and inequities in all forms of tech and more importantly, highlights the women in the tech world who are sounding the alarm.
Links from the Show
Here are some links from the episode for further research and information:
Meredith Broussard’s website.
Meredith’s fascinating book (now in paperback), Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World
An essay by John McWhorter arguing that technology can’t be racist.
Laura Gomez’s inclusive AI company Atipica
Safiya Noble’s book, Alogrithms of Oppression
The racist soap dispenser video. It’s funny, but not funny.
The film Coded Bias by Joy Buolamwini
Share the Love, Technology Not Required
If you enjoyed this episode, please use your technology for good, and leave us a rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. If you’re a luddite and eschew all forms of technology, just tell a friend about us.
Thanks!
