This is an example of a problem called “mechanical racism” that is rarely talked about.
This happens a lot and when it does, some people are brave enough to point out the racism
I think those people are wrong .
A thread.
This happens a lot and when it does, some people are brave enough to point out the racism
I think those people are wrong .
A thread.
https://twitter.com/nbcblk/status/1340348695833927680
A lot of black people have experienced this phenomenon, especially people like myself who have darker skin tones.
Here is great example:
I can’t wash my hands at IKEA.
Why?
Here is great example:
I can’t wash my hands at IKEA.
Why?
The way this works is that light is reflected from the hand to a sensor, which turns on the water/soap/etc.
But darker skin tones ABSORB light, so when I walk into restroom that uses this technology, I know there’s a 50/50 chance I can wash my hands.
But darker skin tones ABSORB light, so when I walk into restroom that uses this technology, I know there’s a 50/50 chance I can wash my hands.
These automatic faucets, soap dispensers and hand towel dispenses are ostensibly a good thing. If there are no handles for people to leave germs on, you have a cleaner environment.
It’s cool. As a black man, I just know I have to carry hand sanitizer when I travel,
It’s cool. As a black man, I just know I have to carry hand sanitizer when I travel,
Also, some people are nasty. If you’re reading this and you’re one of those white people who take your shoes off on planes, STOP, you nasty MF!
I don’t have the luxury of washing your toe jam off!
I don’t have the luxury of washing your toe jam off!
Anyway, the reason this phenomenon exists in EVERY INDUSTRY is very interesting.
In the tech industry, there are very few black people in the labs and involved in the decision making process.
This is one of the best arguments for diversity
In the tech industry, there are very few black people in the labs and involved in the decision making process.
This is one of the best arguments for diversity
I believe that, if labs and tech companies were more diverse, a black person in the lab might say: “maybe we should test the product on Black people.”
See, diversity actually makes the product better!
See, diversity actually makes the product better!
That’s why I argued that investing in HBCUs and STEM programs for our youth, would actually benefit EVERYONE. If there aren’t enough black people in tech, the US will fall behind the rest of the world.
I don’t believe this anymore.
I don’t believe this anymore.
Oh, I still believe in investing in HBCU. And tech companies but a few years ago, I learned something from the @NatUrbanLeague that changed my mind about this issue:
Apparently I was wrong about needing more Black tech grads.
Apparently I was wrong about needing more Black tech grads.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics a HIGHER PERCENTAGE of black grads earn degrees in computer and data science than white grads.
The tech companies just don’t hire us
The tech companies just don’t hire us
These things may seem trivial if you’re white but if you’re Black, it can literally mean life or death, which is a big reason I don’t go to white doctors if I can avoid it.
Why?
Why?
Now, it is easy to attribute this to racist thoughts. But, like the tech industry...
5% of medical doctors are Black
56% are white
But black doctors are underrepresented at medical schools and white doctors are OVERREPRESENTED
So who’s gonna teach the students this?
5% of medical doctors are Black
56% are white
But black doctors are underrepresented at medical schools and white doctors are OVERREPRESENTED
So who’s gonna teach the students this?
When COVID 19 began spreading, I was talking to a Black doctor who was frustrated AF.
Apparently there was a symptom of COVID-19 that began appearing. How was it described?
Apparently there was a symptom of COVID-19 that began appearing. How was it described?
When stuff like this arises, Drs have resources that they can look at pictures and compare them with their patients’ symptoms.
Except if the patient is Black
There IS a resource to show these symptoms in Black patients.
When was it created?
In 2020
theroot.com/mind-the-gap-a…
Except if the patient is Black
There IS a resource to show these symptoms in Black patients.
When was it created?
In 2020
theroot.com/mind-the-gap-a…
This may be why Black newborns are 3x more likely to die if they are cared for by white doctors
People call this “medical racism”
But not me.
You can’t be going around calling ppl racist.
Even if they’re racist!
cnn.com/2020/08/18/hea…
People call this “medical racism”
But not me.
You can’t be going around calling ppl racist.
Even if they’re racist!
cnn.com/2020/08/18/hea…
Another way this manifests is in policing.
Remember when @RepRashida said cops were racist for facial recognition technology (at least she said it to their faces) and everyone accused her of playing the “race card?”
Except:
Remember when @RepRashida said cops were racist for facial recognition technology (at least she said it to their faces) and everyone accused her of playing the “race card?”
Except:
One of the most hilarious examples of this is this:
Do you know what Google used to adjust its facial recognition tech?
It’s so absurd that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, so here:
theroot.com/google-trolls-…
Do you know what Google used to adjust its facial recognition tech?
It’s so absurd that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you, so here:
theroot.com/google-trolls-…
Now, people like Talib will say this is racist.
I disagree.
Basically, these software, technology or machines are pretty accurate. EXCEPT when it comes to Black people.
The decision to use them KNOWING their disproportionate impact one one part of the population isn’t racist
I disagree.
Basically, these software, technology or machines are pretty accurate. EXCEPT when it comes to Black people.
The decision to use them KNOWING their disproportionate impact one one part of the population isn’t racist
They don’t consider Black people when testing, hiring or integrating tech into systems because it BENEFITS WHITE PEOPLE
Think about this:
Could you sell a product that didn’t work 15% of the time?
Would cops use guns that only fired 80% of the time
Think about this:
Could you sell a product that didn’t work 15% of the time?
Would cops use guns that only fired 80% of the time
Would a vet school continue to exist if 40% of the grads believed it was safe to decapitate puppies?
Prioritizing the safety & comfort of white people over the very lives of others helps whites maintain power & control
But that’s not “racism”
There’s a better term for it
Prioritizing the safety & comfort of white people over the very lives of others helps whites maintain power & control
But that’s not “racism”
There’s a better term for it
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