Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code

“Race After Technology” elegantly disrupts the illusion of the average user (of smartphones, internet search engines and automated technology - such as public bathroom hand dryers) that pervasive bias is not directly influencing tech design. In her book, Dr. Ruha Benjamin shines a powerful torchlight onto current artificial intelligence and technological design describing the “New Jim Code” - how algorithms and technology innovations can mimic and perpetuate institutional racism. Her book is essential reading for anyone involved in developing applications, computer programming and AI (artificial intelligence). Dr. Benjamin’s very readable, highly researched and thought-provoking book states all technology consumers and designers think and act critically about issues of justice, diversity and equity in the design and programming as these technologies evolve. For example, Dr. Benjamin relates the experience of an African American computer programmer who found out when that when she put in “Malcolm X” into her phone’s Google Maps, and the GPS voice directed her to “Malcolm Ten” Avenue in Harlem, erasing the history of African Americans in one user’s application.This was a powerful example of what Dr. Benjamin’s book eloquently describes as the “New Jim Code.” “Race After Technology” book is disturbingly brilliant and highly recommended.

The author provides some highly valuable concepts and a highly useful framework for understanding technology and how it is intertwined with race. She successfully weaves together insights from very disparate disciplines, which is a value add in and of itself. The only limitation of the work is the tendency of the author to [in some cases] spend too much time exploring the examples she uses to ground her analysis, thus creating an imbalance between historical analysis and contemporary application of her framework and concepts. And there is a question whether other examples could resonate more. Despite this limitation, it is an excellent book that has tremendous value for a range of audiences: activists, students of tech studies, and academics. It is indispensable reading for anyone concerned with the overall trajectory of technology and its impact on black and brown people.

If you are interested in understanding how to become educated so that you personally may help to contribute to an ever-advancing civilization, this book will offer a way to participate in that effort. Dr Benjamin's thesis is that in order for society to advance, members of society must address the racial biases embedded in the technology we all use. The eradication of these racial biases (implicit Whiteness) embedded in technology begins with making an effort to learn to perceive the racial biases that hinder the optimum advancement of technology, and then seek out ways to help grow technologies that truly advance the nobility of all people. Dr Benjamin's view is world-embracing, her tone inviting, her research erudite. A great read for anyone interested in progress, and a required read for any student of race critical studies.

It is indeed a great read however the vocabulary can be toned down a little bit so non-academic folks can enjoy reading this.

This book is 2 things: 1. Well written 2. Useful beyond just race for understanding the implications of AI On #1: If you are picky about good writing and the ability to breakdown complex concepts in to clear pieces, this book is for you. It's been a long time since I read a book this well written. One example of an extraordinary concept that was succinctly written (you could write an entire PhD thesis on this): "[Algorithms] have the allure of objectivity without public accountability...Consider that machine learning systems allow government officials to outsource decisions that are the purview of democratic oversight. Even when public agencies are using such systems, private entities are the ones developing them, thereby acting like public entities but with none of the checks and balances" On #2: I did not buy this book just for the race aspect. I work on the business side of AI and purposely bought this book to understand how the use of AI may begin to scale unseen bias and lead to large, unintended consequences. Race was just one of the many vehicles by which I could understand this. This book accomplished all of that and more.

The book was very interesting and enlightening. I really enjoyed learning from this book the pitfalls and dangers of new technologies. Only minor critique, or perhaps warning, is that while the book is very illuminating it isn’t very prescriptive. That’s the author’s choice. I would love to see a follow up book by this author with a “builder’s guide” to technology. Something that has more on best practices, useful resources, and how-to guides for builders who have the best intentions and want to create on non-racist, non-discriminatory technology.

It's an understatement to say I love Ruha Benjamin's work. I have all her books and love each of them equally, but this book is what started it all for me. If you're interested in learning more about the impact of technology on our social world, this book is for you. It's especially for you if you're interested in and open to understanding more about how technology, racism, and other social forces combine to reproduce bias and inequality. 10/10 book — you won't regret it!

Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code connects readers with Dr. Ruha Benjamin's relevant research in terms that are engaging. and historically based --a need to read for techies, academics, educators, aunties, parents, organizers, advocates and others. She is comprehensive and inclusive in her theory and carries forward the knowledge of scholars in African American Studies and Technology. I say thank you, Dr. Benjamin, for writing the book I have been waiting to read!

I’d purchased this read and in participation to a book club review offered through the Provincial Government of British Columbia and a Gendered Based Analysis overview of intersectionality and issues afflicting marginalized and underrepresented persons - such as my-self! Ruha Benjamin aptly breaks down these said “Technical Fixes To Societal/SOCIAL oppression’s” that are applicable for anyone professing to advocate for equality and ACCOUNTABILITY to those designing the systems that are to supposedly remove the human factor in Our day-to-day dealings. It’s no longer the 1800’s nor the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s etcetera… It is past due time for modernization of humanity and towards all conscientious of ethics, integrity and respect for neighbours! I’d finished this read within 3-months and was studious to each page, and chapter by chapter. This book and Mikki Kendall’s “Hood Feminism” - ARE MUST READ, especially for these misguided youth!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is enlightening and informative and well worth the investment in time. If you want to know why you should read it then take a look at the less favourable reviews. The bias they exhibit is what this book will help you understand.

Um livro essencial para estudos sobre violência epistêmica e algoritimização de desigualdades.

Brilliant book- arrived on time and well worth a read

I really love this detailed science book! Really a piece of important messages for our future and present, as well.