So You Want to talk about Race
Microaggressions are subtle, everyday instances of this, often unintentional, but still harmful.
What is racism (or racial bias)?
Automated discrimination happens when AI systems do this unfairly to individuals based on race, gender, or other identities.
What is treat them differently or unequally?
Blackface originated in this form of 19th-century American entertainment that mocked African Americans through caricature.
What are minstrel shows?
This professional platform is often checked during screenings to verify work history and endorsements.
What is LinkedIn?
The term “Blackfishing” refers to when non-Black people do this in order to appear Black or racially ambiguous.
What is alter their appearance?
A common microaggression mentioned by Oluo is telling a person of color they are “so articulate,” implying this negative assumption.
What is that people of color are usually not well-spoken?
AI bias often comes from this, which reflects historical inequalities or skewed representation.
What is biased training data?
Posting or sharing photos of someone in blackface—even as a joke—can contribute to this harmful practice.
What is perpetuating racism or racial stereotypes?
Employers might disqualify a candidate if their social media includes this type of offensive content, such as hate speech or discriminatory remarks.
What is inappropriate or offensive behavior?
Common tactics used in Blackfishing include tanning skin, changing hair texture, and exaggerating these physical features.
What are lips, curves, or facial features?
According to Oluo, microaggressions can feel small to the person committing them, but they often have this kind of effect on the person experiencing them.
What is cumulative or emotionally exhausting?
In hiring, this kind of AI tool might reject qualified candidates based on patterns it learned from biased past decisions.
What is a résumé screening algorithm?
The internet has allowed blackface incidents to spread quickly, sometimes going viral, due to this powerful digital phenomenon.
What is social media?
This federal law prevents employers from making hiring decisions based on race, religion, or gender—even if found on a social media profile.
What is the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
Many critics argue that Blackfishing is a form of this, where cultural elements are borrowed without understanding or respect.
What is cultural appropriation?
Oluo argues that calling out microaggressions isn’t about being overly sensitive, but about creating this.
What is a safer, more equitable environment?
A common way to spot AI discrimination is to audit these outcomes across different demographic groups.
What are decision outcomes or algorithmic results?
Some people unknowingly contribute to the problem by doing this, instead of calling out or reporting blackface content online.
What is liking, sharing, or ignoring it?
One major ethical concern with social media screenings is this potential flaw, which can lead to unfair judgments based on personal beliefs or lifestyle.
What is bias?
Influencers accused of Blackfishing often benefit from this—while actual Black creators struggle to receive it.
What is social media clout or brand deals?
In Chapter 10, Oluo encourages readers to respond to being called out for microaggressions with this attitude—not defensiveness.
What is humility and a willingness to learn?
Experts warn that AI discrimination is especially dangerous when systems are used with no transparency or this crucial element.
What is accountability?
Critics say blackface in the modern era reflects this broader issue—where offensive content is normalized through memes and irony.
What is digital desensitization or performative ignorance?
Some companies use these third-party services or tools powered by AI to automate social media background checks while trying to ensure compliance and fairness.
What are social media screening platforms or AI screening tools?
Faith Karimi’s article highlights that Blackfishing reinforces this harmful system, where aesthetics are praised but lived Black experiences are ignored.
What is systemic racism?