Race and Digital Media - An Introduction

Racial bias in the design of digital platforms, labor inequalities in the tech industry, and digital surveillance on Black and Brown communities are important issues to address as reliance on computing technologies increases. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory and research on race and digital media, focusing on the experiences of people of color in the United States. It explores how racism and white supremacy have shaped aspects of our digital world and how communities of color have deployed digital media in ways that expand the public sphere and give voice to creativity and joy. It is an essential resource for students of communication, media, technology, and society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

Since the early days of the internet, there have been ongoing discussions about the potential impact of emerging technologies on communities of color, particularly in light of the structural inequalities they face due to racism. As our reliance on computing technologies continues to grow, it is crucial to address issues related to racial bias in the design of digital platforms, labor inequalities in the tech industry, and digital surveillance targeting Black and Brown communities.

This textbook offers a comprehensive exploration of the theory and research on race and digital media. It specifically focuses on the experiences of people of color in the United States, examining how racism and white supremacy have shaped various aspects of our digital world. From the infrastructures and policies that support technological development to algorithms and data collection practices, the book delves into the ways in which these elements perpetuate and amplify racial disparities. However, it also highlights the resilience and creativity of communities of color in leveraging digital media to expand the public sphere, challenge the status quo, and give voice to their unique perspectives and experiences.

Race and Digital Media serves as an essential resource for students studying communication, media, technology, and society. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of our ever-changing digital media landscape, while simultaneously centering the ongoing impact of institutionalized racism and the potential for building anti-racist futures. By examining the ways in which digital media intersects with race, ethnicity, class, and gender, the book offers valuable insights into the ways in which we can create more inclusive and equitable digital spaces.

In conclusion, as we navigate the rapidly evolving digital world, it is crucial to recognize the potential for both liberation and harm in the interactions between emerging technologies and communities of color. By engaging with the issues raised in this textbook, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable digital future that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of our communities while addressing the systemic inequalities that persist.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509546923