Ban Biometric Surveillance

     "Race as Technology" by Beth Coleman is an essay that explores the concept of race as a technological construct rather than a fixed biological category. Coleman argues that race is a social and cultural invention that is continually shaped and reinforced through technological systems and practices.

Beth Coleman

    Through the examination of various technologies, such as photography, biometrics, and algorithms, Coleman finds that technology categorizes and controls individuals based on their racial identities. She discusses how these technologies have contributed to the creation and perpetuation of racial hierarchies and inequalities.

    The essay also delves into the idea that race functions as a form of technology itself, with the power to shape and influence human experiences and interactions. Coleman suggests that by recognizing race as a technology, we can better understand its influence and work towards challenging and dismantling racial biases and discrimination.

    Looking closer at the technology, biometrics, Coleman explains its role in constructing and perpetuating racial identities. Biometrics refers to the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics of individuals, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns.

    Coleman argues that biometric technologies have been employed in ways that reinforce racial biases and discrimination. She highlights how biometric systems, such as facial recognition algorithms, have been shown to have higher error rates when identifying people with darker skin tones or different facial features. This inherent bias in the technology can result in disproportionate surveillance, profiling, and targeting of individuals from certain racial backgrounds. She points out that biometric technologies often rely on predetermined racial classifications, assuming that physical characteristics can accurately determine an individual's racial identity. However, this approach oversimplifies the complex and fluid nature of race, leading to the reinforcement of racial stereotypes and exclusionary practices.

    This information shared by Coleman was fascinating to me because of how it aims to raise awareness of the biases embedded in these technologies and encourages critical engagement with their implications. Her suggestion of how understanding the limitations and potential harms of biometric systems would translate to more equitable and inclusive approaches to technology and racial justice is highly important. With technology surrounding our everyday lives it's crucial that we ensure that algorithms created consider the diversity of people, culture, and experiences.