Race After Technology Part 1

Please read the Introduction to Race After Technology. There is a lot there, so please take some time to consider the following questions in your reflection:

• Dr. Benjamin quotes James Baldwin: "History is literally present in all that we do." How does history affect "new" companies like Facebook, Twitter, Google? Can you give specific examples?
• dr. Benjamin writes, "Even just deciding what problem needs solving requires a host of judgements." When you think of major tech companies today, what types of problems are they trying to solve? Are these the problems you consider important? What problem would you want to solve if you could create a tech company?
• Dr. Benjamin critiques the extreme tailoring and personalization present in many applications, including education. What are Dr. Benjamin's concerns? Do you agree with her? What are potential benefits/costs to personalization, especially in education?
• Dr. Benjamin talks positively about "racial dragging." How do you feel about this response to racist behavior?
• How can technology make it appear that our society is less racist than it is?
• Dr. Benjamin argues that race is a form of technology. In what ways is race similar to or different from other technologies?
• Has technology increased the power/resources/influence that you have, or limited your power/resources/influence?
• What other questions do you have from the readings? What were you surprised about? What interested you, or felt particularly important?