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Blog Post #10

How does the Patriot Act violate privacy? 

The Patriot Act allows federal investigators to get a warrant to tap phones as long as they have probable cause (Parenti, 2003). This gives them the freedom to tap phones for whatever reason they could come up with. It does state that it has to be a probable cause, but that could be perceived from their point of view. This act makes it possible for people to invade their privacy. Any person could get their phone tapped as long as a federal investigator deems to have a probable reason to do so. Although it was designed to help surveil terrorism, it could affect individuals who fit society’s idea of what a terrorist is.  

How did the public react to the creation of DARPA? 

The public did not accept DARPA and made it known publicly. Parenti said, “... the TIA office of DARPA had its funding cut, thanks to the popular outcry against the project. But many of the functions continue in modified form under other names” (Parenti, 2003). DARPA allowed people’s everyday actions like credit card transactions, travel records, and calls to be recorded and surveilled. Due to public outcry, the TIA got its funding cut, leaving DARPA with less power. However, the same functions were placed under different names to silence the backlash being received. This reveals that the government is strategic with its policies when it realizes that the public is not in favor. 

How does surveillance affect those who are nonconforming? 

Surveillance often targets activists who do not conform to what the government wants the public to stand for. Parenti provides the example that if surveillance had existed during the 1950s when Martin Luther King Jr. participated in the civil rights movement, he would have become a prime target (Parenti, 2003). At the time, the civil rights movement could have been considered radical because it was working towards changing the laws that reigned the United States at the time. Now that technological advancement makes surveillance possible, activists risk becoming surveilled. Activists could risk getting their phones tapped, and their everyday actions could be watched.  

How can raids that stem from surveillance invade someone’s privacy and violate rights? 

In 2009, a group of people was raided by state troops due to a complaint that followed their tweets (Power, 2020). The group followed anarchist views, which means that they believed in the abolishment of coercion and capitalism. This completely goes against the notions of the United States, considering that it is based on capitalism. However, the group only ever used Twitter to spread their ideas. The state troops raided their home in hopes of finding a reason to arrest them. They took items like posters, hard drives, cameras, and other miscellaneous objects in hopes of finding probable cause to make an arrest (Power, 2020). In the end, the case was dismissed, but the group still had their privacy violated. It proved that something simple, like a tweet, could invade someone’s privacy.  

[ellesi6]

Blog Post #9

How did the intersectionality of racism and sexism lead to the surveillance of black women? 

Black women have often faced discrimination towards their natural hair. They are frequently told that their hair is unprofessional and needs to be tamed. However, the prejudicial treatment does not end with comments and could result in the surveillance of black bodies. For instance, Audre Lore was not allowed to cross borders in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, due to her Loc'd hairstyle being criminalized as part of a particular religion that did not align with their beliefs (Lee, 2015). She had to be questioned for her passport to be stamped with approval (Lee, 2015). It is safe to say that if her hair had been styled in a way the government deemed acceptable, Lore would have had a smoother experience crossing borders. The only reason she went through this experience is because society has become accustomed to discriminating against black women's hair. Loc’d hair is a hairstyle often worn by black women because it suits their hair type. If she were not a woman or black, this occurrence would have never taken place 

How could the internet be a safe place for black girls being discriminated against due to their natural hair? 

The internet could become a safe place for black girls experiencing discrimination against their hair because it allows for the spread of awareness of the matter, lures in support, and calls for action. A black girl named Tiana Parker was expelled from school because her hair was deemed to be inappropriate. They began to spread her story online when the internet got the news. The public started to send her care packages to make her feel accepted and created a petition to change the school’s policy of banning locs and afros (Lee, 2015). This is a prime example of how the internet can help reverse the idea that black hair is unacceptable and needs to be altered. It moved away from this notion rather than reinforcing ideas that have reigned for centuries. Without the internet, Parker’s story would not have received so much attention and would not have resulted in the school’s policy being reversed.  

How did capitalism take advantage of the slander against black hair? 

Capitalism feeds off people’s vulnerability to spending money and consumerism. Society has embedded this idea in society through intimidation. For black people, the consequences of embracing their natural hair are often loss of employment, access to education, bullying, etc. (Lee, 2015). This results in black people searching for ways to avoid such repercussions. The beauty industry caught onto this when demand for products meant to tame and straighten hair was bringing in millions of dollars. This was a win for capitalism, so it encouraged the concept that black hair must be styled to fit the “acceptable” beauty standards. This furthers the problem that black people face regarding their hair.  

How did Gamergate reinforce sexism against women? 

Gamergate is a movement that does not explicitly state that they are reinforcing misogyny but rather prove it through their actions. Zoe Quinn, a game designer for Depression Quest, began to be harassed after people started to say that she cheated on her partner with five guys (Hathaway, 2014). She began to get death threats and everyday harassment. Gamers began to defend themselves by saying that they do not associate themselves with matters that regard women in video games. However, their actions against Quinn say otherwise. They are covering themselves by saying that they remain neutral on the matter to avoid being labeled as misogynists. It is safe to say that the #gamergate movement is a scare tactic to keep games strictly for men and exclude the inclusion of women on gaming platforms. 

[ellesi6]

Blog Post #8

How are black people portrayed to be in the media in comparison to white people? 

According to Lee, in the media, black people are criminalized much more than white people are. She presents the example of four black men and three white men who were responsible for the same burglary crime. The pictures in the media coverage had vast differences between black and white men. Lee states, “... the black men in the mugshot appear disheveled and unhappy, while the school picture of the three white men displays them in uniformed dark-colored jackets, white collared shirts with yellow ties” (Lee, 2017). If black bodies were not criminalized, then the pictures of the men would be similar. The journalist specifically chose pictures that portrayed black men in a more negative light. The fact that a school picture was selected for the whites proves that the journalist wanted to show the white men more innocently. This persuades people to move past the crime committed because they are students. 

How are cyberprotests an effective form of activism? 

Cyberprotests could be an effective form of protest. Vegh states, “The act of cyberprotest seeks public attention and visibility by delivering a political message through the media” (Vegh, 2003). To make change, there has to be a significant enough impact made, which could be done through the media. This could be done by “... flooding the server with a large number of emails that are beyond its capability to handle...” or “... overwhelming the server with a small data package that tests the server’s response capability” (Vegh, 2003). When something disrupts the normal flow, it could cause a response and attention. This could encourage people to make the change that is being sought out. For instance, if an online shop scams someone and people flood their emails with such messages, the owner may seek a solution and fix the issue. Although this may not always be effective, it could help specific scenarios. 

In what ways is the internet helpful when it comes to activism? 

Vegh’s reading discusses that “... online advocacy can focus on organizing and mobilizing a group of people for action or carrying out an effort with a particular goal in mind” (Vegh, 2003). This means that the internet can help spread information to others, which could result in more people being involved in whatever movement is being carried out. Although online activism on its own is ineffective, it could still help advance the process. On the internet, people can get into contact with many more people than they would in person. It could reach people living in different areas, which could be necessary when attempting to make change.  

How did social media help the #NODAPL movement?  

Social media helped progress the #NODAPL movement in the way that it helped raise awareness among others. Nicholet A. Deschine Parkhurst discussed that, at first, the movement was not being covered in the news, meaning that most coverage was misrepresenting. When the movement's followers started using social media to share their experiences, the public began to receive a more accurate deception of what was happening. She states, “Social media has become a valuable tool for raising awareness of injustices that our small, geographically disbursed, and often rural trial communities often face” (Parkhurst, 2021). Indigenous people often live in rural areas away from the public, meaning they cannot physically spread information. With the help of social media, they could share information with people they would not have encountered. This helped bring back awareness of protecting the land of indigenous people.  

[ellesi6]

Blog Post #7

How do digital platforms reinforce translocal whiteness? 

According to J. Daniels, translocal whiteness is the emergence of white supremacy across the globe (Daniels, 2009). This means that white supremacy is not just centered in a particular country like the United States but is instead spread all over the world in different countries. Stormfront is a website designated for white supremacists. It is not limited to a specific population but is relatively globalized. White supremacists can connect from different countries like Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, and many other countries (Daniels, 2009). A digital platform like this allows people worldwide who share the same beliefs to communicate. Without the internet, this would not have happened. People would only get the opportunity to share such ideas if they met face to face, which would be more limited. Therefore, creating digital platforms such as Stormfront strengthens the notions of translocal whiteness because it provides more accessible communication. 

How does the internet benefit social movements like those of white supremacists? 

Social movements need financial banking, media coverage, organizational structures, and political alliances for power (Daniel, 2009). The internet makes these resources more accessible because people can come together online to make it possible. For instance, social media coverage could be attained, and banking fundraisers can be shared online. According to Daniels, it increases the speed at which these resources can be accessed (Daniels, 2009). White supremacist could make use of this to expand their beliefs to others and expedite their social movement. This could be the reason why digital platforms like Stormfront came to be. It increases the power of their social movements when they can attain the necessary resources to spread their ideas. 

How can the mass media influence people to gain a passion for politics? 

The mass media can influence people to gain a passion for politics because it increases the speed of spreading information. It has become attainable for people to receive access to newspapers, daily newspapers, and internet websites. For example, Spier, at a young age, began to gain an interest in politics by reading the daily newspaper while only being a preteen (Elin, 2013). Although he did not grow up with radically political people, he had the resources to learn about it. It sparked his interest, and he sought it to be his life journey to protest what he thought he believed was right. He began to travel to gain more insight into issues that he would find on the internet. This is why he was arrested during a protest (Elin,2013). This proves that the internet has become another resource that can influence people to gain a passion for politics. 

Can the internet encourage biased views? 

According to Elis, “...the internet is replacing the physical public sphere where citizens are exposed to different points of view with a private place where individuals withdraw into themselves and reinforce deeply held prejudices” (Elis,2013). This supports the notion that the internet can encourage biased views because people may be more drawn to investigate resources that reinforce their beliefs. When people are searching for topics, they can find articles that only support what they believe. With the internet, finding what you are looking for is easier. It limits exposure to points of view that may differ from their own. For instance, if someone wants to understand a new policy they are against better, they can search for information that reinforces those beliefs. It would be more work to find information from an opposing point of view.  

[ellesi6]

Blog Post #6

Why do people develop an interpersonal relationship with digital characters the way they do with media celebrities? 

When people see celebrities online, they start to understand their personalities and feel as if they know them. They determine an opinion when they have never interacted with them. They just go based on what is displayed of them in the media. In “Gender, Technology, and Visual Cyberculture” by K. O’Riordan, it is mentioned, “With the simulated newsletter cast (Ananova), the consumer can instigate a relationship with the content, as the concept of interpellation is reenacted through digital media” (O’Riordan, 2006). People can influence digital characters according to their desires, which could create an emotional attachment. They start to develop a sense of familiarity with the character, which could cause them to believe they know the character the way they do a person in the real world. They can form an opinion on the digital character. An interpersonal relationship with a digital character is like an interpersonal relationship with media celebrities due to the created sense of connection.  

How is femininity expressed in the digital world? 

Femininity is expressed digitally through “...expression, language, hair, actions, costumes, and colors” (O’Riordan, 2006). People already have a view on how femininity should be portrayed in the real world, so that is simply translated into the virtual world. Femininity is how a person who identifies as a woman wants to embrace themselves. However, this could be difficult to embody through the digital eye when everyone has a different view of what femininity should be. Instead, they resort to societal norms, which could be determinantal to advancing femininity. It is stated that this “... reproduces deeply problematic versions of identities and bodies, renewing old templates, against which normality, beauty and legitimacy can be judged” (O’Riordan, 2006). This could be eliminated by giving people the option to design characters in a way that best suits how they express their femininity. 

How do the women in Stormfront attempt to achieve feminism? 

The patriarchy governs White supremacy. The patriarchy is a world dominated by the cis-white man. To keep the ideals of white supremacy in feminism, women attempt to gain their power through secret revenge. For instance, a woman posted on the site Stormfront she got revenge on her cheating husband by purposely not cleaning the toilet so she could use his toothbrush to clean it (Daniels, 2009). She did this act to gain her power back from the unfortunate situation that she went through, where her husband belittled her. Rather than proving her strength correctly, she did so in a vengeful way. By doing so, she proved that “...the women’s position within society as women makes them vulnerable to these men” (Daniels, 2009). It shows that these women are still fearful of men, which goes against the notions of feminism. It does not prove there is power but rather a lack of control. It also shows that people who believe in white supremacy still attempt to keep their ideals when trying to achieve feminism. It may even be done unconsciously due to how embedded they are with their ideas of white supremacy. 

How are interracial and LGBTQ+ relationships viewed through a white supremacist lens?  

Interracial and LGBTQ+ relationships are not accepted in the white supremacy world because it means a decrease in white babies and the overall white population. Suppose a woman decides to have a child with a person of color, then it means that the child will no longer be white. Although this may not always be the case, this is a risk that people who believe in white supremacy are not willing to take. On the online platform designated for white supremacists, Stormfront there are discussions about “...how disgusting they find black-male sexuality and reaffirming white supremacist prohibitions on interracial dating” (J. Daniels, 2009). This proves that they are not accepting at all of interracial dating and would instead encourage their beliefs of maintaining whiteness. It also reveals how they view black people as inferior.  The same goes for LGBTQ+ communities. A post from Stormfront states, “Homosexuality is not ideal because it doesn’t reproduce white children, and its male version spreads disease” (Daniels, 2009). They believe that it will cause a decrease in the white population and an increase in diseases. This is due to the superiority complex they have towards white people. It also reveals that they are close-minded when they do not consider other options LGBTQ+ member has to have children and prevent diseases. They just see that increasing the white population may not be an option.  

[ellesi6]

Blog Post #5

How is the marketing of diversity used to discriminate and police people of color in the digital world? 

In the article “Race After Technology by R. Benjamin,” the author covers how digital companies glorify diversity as individualistic when it could become a way for law enforcement to monitor people of color. It also makes it easier for white supremacy to reach their targeted audience to hate. Company N-tech is a facial recognition technology used to determine a person’s ethnicity. It is promoted to be something fun for people to assess demographic data. However, what is not talked about is how law enforcement can make use of this data to criminalize people of color. It is easier for pull-out people to discriminate when there is existing data that determines their race. Specifically in a world where race is being discriminated against. The author mentions how “... coded inequity makes it easier and faster to produce racist outcomes” (Benjamin, 2019). Social media platforms like Twitter are promoted for people of different racial backgrounds, and anyone can utilize them. This gives white supremacists the freedom to hate people of color through the digital world. They can view profile pictures and posts to find their targeted audience. Although the content that they are posting is racist and discriminating, the company is benefitting from the usage of the app, which is why they allow it.  

How is racial coding used in the digital world? 

Programs promote diversity and inclusion, but what is not seen is the New Jim code that is built into the coding of specific programs. The promotion of diversity is used to cover up what is happening behind the scenes. Although technology can't be racist on its own, the people who are creating the systems are building their own beliefs into the system. When a black person is being arrested for committing a crime, they do not do so because facial recognition technology connects their face to the crime; it may be due to racial coding. The person or company who created that system may have had some discriminating beliefs and thus built specific codes that allowed that to happen. The reason that people may not make a note of this is that “... coded inequity makes discrimination easier, faster, and even harder to challenge because there is not just a racist boss, banker, or shopkeeper to report” (Benjamin, 2019). Programs and companies can escape racial coding and cover up with their marketing.  

How has racial micro-aggression become more accepted by society? 

In the media, people attempt to make light of racism through comedy bits. In “The Social Media Handbook,” the authors include examples of video bits people were creating, such as “Sh*t White Girls Say to Black Girls,” which went viral on the internet. The content itself is filled with racial stereotypes about black girls and other racial groups. It was dismissed as funny content when it was derogatory against certain groups. The public accepted this because “... they provide relief in socially tense environments” (Noble & Senft, 2014). It is masking racially micro-aggressive content by excusing it as entertainment. People believe it is making light of racism, which allows society to think that it is okay to keep up with these notions. They even give the content creator a platform long after the viral video, which worsens the problem. This is portrayed in the media in other forms as well when someone likes a racist comment. They use the excuse that it was just a like but dismiss why they liked it in the first place. 

How does the merit system benefit the society they are living in? Does it benefit the people? 

In the Black Mirror episode, the merit system used to rate people was based on how well they were conscribed to society’s expectations. That meant how well they presented themselves through their personality, dress, speech, etc. If a person did not make a great impression on another person or spoke in profanity, then they would be demerited. People abided by the merit system because they would gain privileges such as better housing, jobs, entrances to facilities, or accessibility to services. If a person did not fit into society’s rules, they would have to fake a persona. This did not benefit the people because they were prohibited from being themselves. It was put in place to regulate their behavior, but it was being masked by putting in place benefits. It would motivate people to follow these rules to the point where they must dedicate their lives. Overall, it was undignifying and took away their independence to be themselves. It did not benefit the people but rather governed their way of life. 

[ellesi6]

Blog #4

How is gender being exploited in the gaming world? 

Gender is being exploited in the gaming world because it is allowing for women to be exploited through the creation of digital characters. In “The Revenge of YellowFaced Cyborg” by J. Ow, female characters are shown to be, “bathing underneath a waterfall in the midst of the battlefield or sitting on the toilet in Master Leep’s temple” (Ow, 2000). Women are being sexualized in video games which is giving people the impression that it is something acceptable. Since it is through a digital screen people may assume it is not doing any harm. It is praising sexism that is occurring in the real world. In a way it is allowing for people to get away with their sexist ideals about women and dismissing it as entertainment.  

How does the cis white man utilize the gaming world to his advantage? 

White men are utilizing the gaming world to their advantage because they are given the chance to live in a fantasy world where they are allowed to express their racist and immoral ideas. In the article, “The Revenge of the YellowFaced Cyborg Terminator by J. Ow”, the character is “a racist and misogynist Yellowfaced Cyborg Terminator, on his solidary quest to rape, pillage, and claim the Asian continent” (Ow, 2000). They are given the comfort through the character that is acceptable to act in a sexist and dominating way. It is excusing the behavior of the character because it is done through digital lenses. They discuss how men go to Japan to find themselves when they have it readily available through a gaming console (Ow, 2000). It is just another tactic that white men are utilizing the digital world to dismiss their racist and immoral ideals. 

How is racism being dismissed in the creation of video games? 

Racism is being dismissed in the creation of video games because it is being dismissed as something that is solely for entertainment purposes. They are stating that it is “... having fun with the whole Asian culture” (Ow, 2000 ) Rather than admitting to the idea that they are making fun of a culture which is ultimately racism, they decide to cover it up as if they are just using a form of entertainment. It allows people to laugh and joke about oppressive matters that are damaging people every day. It is something so detrimental to be dismissed as just a form of entertainment. 

In what manner do games create an alternate universe that allows people to alter rules? Why do they do so? 

Video games allow people to create an alternate universe where they are able to alter existing rules. In the article, "White Supremacy in the Digital World Era: An Introduction” by J. Daniels, it states, “...programmatic logic, the freedoms that allow us in the play are only meaningful when understood in relation to what we can’t do— or rather, will not risk doing—outside of play due to socially and legally imposed constraints” (Daniels, 2009). This means that people are taking advantage of the creation of the digital gaming world to express their opinions and stances that otherwise would not be accepted in the real world. They feel comfortable doing so because they will not receive any consequences due to it being done digitally. This can affect the progression of matters such as racism and xenophobia because people are given an outlet and being made comfortable to commit such act. They are able to brush it off as not being real.  

[ellesi6]

Why do women of color get exploited in online searches?  

Throughout history, black women have been sexualized. During the Jim Crow era, attractive black women were labeled as “Jezebel” or sexually promiscuous women. Women are expected to be proper and pure to be accepted by societal norms. However, during this time era when black people were not accepted. Much less a black woman who is prone to the intersectionality of sexism and racism. To be put down, they were stigmatized for being hypersexual and unladylike. It would sense that this reached the digital world once technology emerged. In the book, “Algorithms of Oppression,” the author discusses that in 2010-2011 when she researched “black girls,” the first searches that popped up were pornography websites (Noble, 2018). Unsurprisingly, this was the case until it was brought to the public's attention. It was taken down in 2012, according to the author, but it was up there in the first place due to the stigma that black women are promiscuous. It was the fault of racism and sexism against black women. 

What are the risks of data sharing for minorities or people with disadvantages such as health problems? 

Data sharing allows for different organizations to get a hold of the same data. It is advertised as convenient and efficient because the same information on one application is transferred to others. However, this could be doing more harm than good for marginalized groups. Data sharing could become a way for certain institutions or companies to get the information they need to deny services. In “Race After Technology” by Ruha Benjamin, she mentions how a woman attempted to get a bank loan but was rejected due to a tumor. This was done despite her stable income and no debt (Benjamin, 2019). She was discriminated against from getting a bank loan solely due to the reason that she had a health problem of having a tumor. Her health information was made available through data sharing. Although data sharing is convenient for companies, it is not so for the user. It reveals information that can put people at risk of being discriminated against.  

How does redlining take effect in the digital world? 

The consequence of redlining continues to affect real estate today, but it is now affecting technology. According to Noble, there have been many accounts where black people faced racism on the internet. For instance, when the Washington Times released an article about the white house during Obama’s presidency with racial slurs (Noble, 2018). It was bad enough that this article came out, but what was worse is that articles like these are the ones that receive the most coverage. The articles about scholarly black people do not have the same amount of coverage as these. This revealed that even with technology, people of color are not getting enough recognition. It is only derogatory media that is getting widespread coverage. I can connect this to what is currently going on in the United States with the censorship of the DEI. Words such as ethnicity, minority, women, etc., are being removed from databases. This could be a tactic that is being used to keep people from learning about gender and multicultural studies.  

How can someone’s name indicate whether they are more susceptible to discrimination? 

Ruha Benjamin says a person’s name could make them more susceptible to discrimination. She claims that a person’s name can close doors regarding job opportunities, dating, and education. A name connects a person to ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, etc. (Benjamin, 2019). In a world where the cisman is deemed the most fitting, a name could become determinantal regarding opportunities. For instance, if a Hispanic woman applies for a job, then they may be at risk of being discriminated against due to her feminine name and Hispanic last name. In this instance, it is the fault of the intersectionality of racism and sexism.  Although a name can seem very minuscule, it could determine the number of opportunities one can receive. It could also alter the perception of a person’s capabilities. 

[ellesi6]

Blog #2

The two leading social media platforms that I use are TikTok and Instagram. Over the past few weeks, my feed has been filled with protest ICE. The post reveals Mexican Americans fighting for immigrants who are being deported or at risk of being detained by ICE. In the protest, people are holding Mexican flags and signs that are anti-deportation. I think that the reason Mexican immigrants are the ones standing up is due to the president’s discriminatory remarks against people of Mexican descent and the fact immigration is stopping people from appearing Hispanic. Although xenophobia does not just affect Mexican or Latino immigrants, Trump is focusing on southern borders. There is ICE being explicitly spotted in areas that are predominantly Latino and Hispanic. On social media, specifically on my algorithm, immigrant policies are being portrayed as something cruel. The new policies will be separating families and taking people out of a country in which they have lived for decades, if not their whole life. There is a huge discussion that immigrants are increasing the crime rates, and that is the reason why deportation is necessary to keep this country safe. However, the argument is that immigrants have helped build this country to what it is now, and enabling legal paperwork would be more beneficial. 

I watched CNN, and the coverage of immigration policies has been entirely different from what I see on social media. I do not see coverage of the protests that are taking place nationwide, but they are discussing Trump’s plan with immigration. I think it is informational to know the updates, but it does not completely cover what is happening. It is not sending the right idea to people who may not be as informed as others. 

Should there be a limit to cyberfeminism when it involves the promotion of mental disorders? 

Cyberfeminism has been beneficial for the world of feminism. It allows people who identify as women to express their beliefs and ideas online for others to see. It provides a safe place for women to turn to. However, should there be a limit when women are promoting mental disorders such as bulimia and anorexia-nervosa? The media has had an impact on the way adolescents and young adults view their body image. When there are people on the internet who are promoting these illnesses, it can put more people at risk of developing these disorders. In the article, “Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment,” Jessie Daniels states, “...pro-ana sites are engaging with Internet technologies in ways that are both motivated by and confirm (extremely thin) embodiment” (Daniels, 2009). Daniels is saying that women are promoting the thinness that comes with anorexia. It has almost become a competition to become thinner to be accepted into the anorexia community online. This can be very detrimental to women who utilize the internet to be influenced. It can be setting the wrong idea to women that having these mental disorders is okay rather than reaching out to attain the proper help. 

How are complex integrated databases affecting minorities? 

Intergrated databases are affecting minorities because they are constantly being surveilled. When low-income families get resources to support their financial needs or live in redlining areas, they are put into a database that watches their purchases or every move. In the chapter “Red Flags” by Virginia Eubanks, the author states, “People of color, migrants, unpopular religious groups, sexual minorities, the poor, and other oppressed and exploited populations bear a much higher burden of monitoring and tracking than advantaged groups” (Eubanks, 2018). This means that people apart from minority groups are much more at risk of being monitored based solely on the reason for being a minority. They automatically become part of an integrated database, which violates their privacy. Not only that, but it also paints them in a negative light for others. Eubanks argues, “It is intended to heap stigma on social programs and reinforce that cultural and narrative that those who access public assistance are criminal, lazy, spendthrift addicting” (Eubanks, 2018). This could be the reason why so many people argue against programs that are meant to help people who are classified as low-income. Rather than just viewing them as people needing help, they are viewed as people taking advantage of the government. 

How is AI affecting law practices? 

Artificial intelligence can help advance society, but it can also have adverse effects when inaccurate. Black men have been notoriously convicted of crimes that they did not commit throughout history. With the usage of AI, this has caused new cases to happen. In “Another Arrest, and Jail Time, Due to Bad Facial Recognition Match” by Kashmir Hill, the story of a black man who was wrongly identified in a crime and arrested is discussed. The man, Nijeer Parks, was convicted of a felony due to an error made by facial recognition technology. A picture of the actual man from the crime and his picture was put into facial recognition technology, showing that it was the same man when it was not. This proves that AI is affecting law practices because it is being used as a definite answer to who committed a crime and is also giving faulty answers. This could continue to harm the law system against Black men. 

How has cyberfeminism benefited women coming from strict patriarchal communities? 

Cyberfeminism has benefited women from strict patriarchal communities because they are allowed to voice their opinions through platforms that they deem safe places. Women who come from patriarchal communities are forced to live up to certain expectations, but with the use of digital media, the pressure subsides. It gives them the option to interact with women who have ideas similar to theirs. In the article, “Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment,” Daniels argues that “...the value of new technologies to further their agendas and to promote their brand of activism...” (Daniels, 2009). Women can promote the causes they stand for without needing to do it in real life. Some women are constantly being surveilled by their families and members of the community to stick to patriarchal morals, but this does not have to exist when they are their online persona. 

[ellesi6]

Technology Disappointment

A time when technology did not live up to its hype was when I accidentally gave a $500 payment to my credit card when I wanted to give a $50 payment. I use my bank app to give all my payments when I get paid since it is the most efficient way. I had just received my paycheck, so I was going through everything I needed to pay. When it was time to pay my credit card, I accidentally typed in an extra zero. I pressed cancel once I noticed, but the transaction was pushed through anyway. As much as I would love to make a $500 payment, it was just not within my budget. As a broke college student, I live paycheck to paycheck and had many other payments to make, so I panicked about what I could do. My bank does not provide an option to cancel transactions directly through the app, so I was forced to call services. The representative was able to process a refund for the transaction, but I had to wait a couple of days to get that money back. I learned from this mistake, and now that I make payments, I triple-check the amount I type in. I was disappointed that my bank app pushed through the transaction even when I pressed cancel. I even clicked the notification that told me if I was sure I wanted to cancel. I was also disappointed that my bank app does not have a more efficient way to cancel transactions or adjust payments through the app. It added extra stress to my week that I did not need. However, it was a learning experience that I need to be more careful when dealing with my money. I can now safely say that this has not happened to me since.