A lot of racism, though, is probably unintentional. Take technology for example. Computers with webcams now fave facial recognition technology, and will automatically zoom and center on your face when it sees it.
...unless you're black. Then it can't see you.
This video has been passed around the internet for a few years now. It's funny, but brings up an interesting point: When building technology, do you HAVE to think a little bit about race? Absolutely. Because the software doesn't work for black people, I'm assuming nobody on the testing team had dark skin.
...just like I'm assuming the testers of this camera were probably not Asian...
...which is interesting, because the Headquarters for Nikon is in Tokyo.
If there is not a diversity of engineers making this technology, I understand. Same with Quality Control. But when product testing, maybe you have to think a little bit racist. Not to be a bigot, but to make sure the technology capabilities work for a diverse group of people.
This makes me wonder... would a vehicle with voice recognition understand Ebonics? Or redneck? Or English with a heavy accent from another culture? Anybody want to test that out for me and let me know?
If you have experienced a technologial goof-up due to race or culture, please share below. Thanks!
