Based on a previous Praxis 3 week 1 entry criticizing the coding cycle (by Kristin, Jonathan, and Madeline), for this week’s entry we would like to lead the discussion to a different direction, and to build a more utopian world in which vulnerable communities are able to resolve algorithmic biases, and more importantly, confront injustice with technology. Inspired by T’Challa’s proposal of building Wakanda Outreach Centers starting at Oakland (where Killmonger was raised), as shown in the movie Black Panther, we have re-imagined a utopian world-setting by sketching out guidelines regarding how the centers shall be run. And we have three fundamental themes to follow.

To begin with, we must first keep in mind that not a single community would be able to thrive without the support from one another, that we’re all interconnected. In the past, Wakandans used to shut themselves entirely from the outside world, and the leaders have been ignoring all the sufferings of their brothers and sisters across the globe, fearing that by offering aid they might possibly endanger the peace in Wakanda. As a result, King T’Chaka secretly murdered his brother N’Jobu to protect his people. Despite N’Jobu’s radical approaches, his intentions were benign, which is to free his brothers and sisters from oppression, and he only betrayed Wakanda knowing that “All over the planet, our people have suffered because they don't have the tools to fight back (1:06:07)”. Surely Wakanda has the responsibility to close the technological gap and aid these vulnerable communities, and as covered in the previous praxis referenced (e.g. in the coding cycle, four of the black female programmers are highlighted), those with knowledge/resources shall speak up and take initiatives to educate their people, make technology accessible, and close the gap.

However, we must be aware that the “tools” we provide are not for violent uses, in this case, we shouldn’t be sending out advances weaponry to the extremists, just like what Killmonger did in the movie, so that they are able to seek vengeance against their enemies. It’s critical that the technological supplies we offer, and the knowledge to utilize them, is to encourage nonviolent resistance only. “An eye for an eye” is no longer a practical, and dignified approach to confront injustice, specifically when we’re utilizing technology, the harm that follows the abuse of advanced weaponry can be detrimental to all communities alike.

Last but not least, within our centers and the committees assigned to run them, we must also strive to resolve algorithmic biases, especially with ourselves being a minority, it’s our duty to take the lead by recruiting members from as many minority groups as possible. As underscored in the precious praxis project the coding cycle, one optimal way to counter algorithmic biases is to basically have an inclusive committee that leads the design of systems, structures, and algorithms, so each of them represent their own community. In Wakanda, this is well-prevented with Shuri being the head of technological advancements, who is a black young girl. Despite there are still voices against her rule, Shuri shines as a capable and charismatic leader, making it sufficient enough to believe that BIPOC programmers, engineers, and technicians can also thrive as long as the working environment is welcoming and inclusive.

To sum up all that’s mentioned above, we are here to present a list of guidelines that address various problems covering the technological gap, violence/radical existence, and algorithmic biases. We do not consider our world-building as 100% utopian, instead, we would like to call it a bridge connecting the cruel reality with an ideal image of society, which resonates with the goal of Wakanda Outreach Centers: to connect the thriving Wakandan society with the outside world. According to T’Challa’s speech at the end of the movie, “More connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find the way, to look after one another (2:06:18)”. To help all the vulnerable to confront injustice, we aim to build bridges with these following guidelines:

1. As Wakandans, it’s our responsibility to offer our suffering brothers and sisters across the globe with help and resources, and it’s our duty to teach vulnerable communities how to utilize technology as means to confront injustice.

*Race is not a biological entity that divides us, but a difference in identity that connects us and forge personal uniqueness. Education on using technology and providing individuals with the power and ability to utilize tools are essential in building a loving community. Technology is not reserved and used to dominate and manipulate others, and we surrender the will to power and create unbalanced power dynamics. Connecting back to Hooks central idea from All About Love: “To know and keep true love we have to be willing to surrender the will to power” (Hooks 187), we build a loving community by openly sharing technological resources and providing educational opportunities to everyone.

2. Abuse of technological advances in weaponry is prohibited. Of all the resources we apply, we only encourage non-violent uses.

*Technology is a fierce double edge sword, and we prioritize its non-violent edges and maximize its power with caring and compassionate intentions. Technology can be violently employed as a mechanism to generate fear and indifference, but instead we prohibit all kinds of its violent use. Community members transcend fear with the greatest power of love, and establish a stable and peaceful community with such genuine love.

3. We stand with each other against injustice, but we shall only use technology to advocate for togetherness, but not otherness.

*We must not make presumptions about anyone, even our opposing side during a fight for injustice; we must not generalize a group of people, but rather respect, and embrace the differences between individuals. While advocating for equal rights, we cannot see the other racial community as opponents and enemies. Before we act, we encourage each other to put ourselves in other members’ perspectives and experiences.

4. The utilization of technology are composed of healing properties that aim to build a compassionate atmosphere.

*We use technology (ex. VR, AR, sensory machines) as a tool to let members experience the life and perspective of the other race. In daily routines, we launch and encourage virtual experiences that let our people engage and be more compassionate for each other’s struggles and experiences. Going back to Anderson’s point in Womack’s book, “the alien framework is a framework for understanding and healing” (38).

5. To recruit a committee that runs our center, we must be aware of the inclusion of leaders, technicians, engineers, and programmers from different backgrounds, so that people from minority groups can be represented and included in our service. As we fight against algorithmic biases, we aim to create a welcoming environment for BIPOC faculties in technical fields.

*According to Womack, that “although ethics and emerging technologies is a discussion that all futurists are concerned with, Afrofuturists, in particular, are highly sensitive to how or if such technologies will deepen or transcend the imbalances of race” (Womack). Representing minority groups and including their voices and identities in technical fields will fuel and flourish the inclusivity of technical services to all audiences in the community. We create balance for race by establishing an inclusive environment fundamentally that builds and creates original roots for technology.

Citations:

Bell Hooks. (2000). All about love: New visions. Retrieved November 12, 2020.

Coogler, R. (2018). Black Panther. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Retrieved November 12, 2020.

Womack, Ytasha. Afrofuturism : The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture, Chicago Review Press, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central. 

Retrieved November 12, 2020, from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/socal/detail.action?docID=1381831.