Viral Justice: Spreading Positivity in a Pandemic World
The Covid-19 pandemic has given the word "viral" a new, often negative meaning. However, Ruha Benjamin, a scholar who studies the social aspects of science, medicine, and technology, believes that justice can also be contagious. This idea is the basis of her award-winning book, which she discussed with MIT Libraries staff during a visit.
The Power of Small Actions
Benjamin thinks that just as a small virus can have a huge impact, small actions can also have significant effects. "If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that something almost undetectable can be deadly, and that we can transmit it without even knowing," she said. "Doesn’t this imply that small things, seemingly minor actions, decisions, or habits, could have exponential effects in the other direction, tipping the scales towards justice?"
Noticing Exclusion in Daily Life
To create a more just world, Benjamin encourages people to notice the ways exclusion is built into daily life. For example, park benches with armrests may seem welcoming, but they also make it impossible to lie down or sleep. This design can be seen as discriminatory, intentionally or unintentionally excluding certain groups of people, like the homeless.
The Impact of Technology on Justice
Benjamin also discussed how new technologies can perpetuate bias and discrimination. For instance, facial recognition software can be biased against certain racial or ethnic groups, and algorithms used in healthcare can perpetuate existing inequalities. She calls this phenomenon "the New Jim Code," referring to the combination of coded bias and the perceived objectivity of technology.
Creating Alternatives and Promoting Change
While it’s essential to acknowledge the harms caused by biased technology, Benjamin emphasizes the need to create alternatives. Individuals and communities can come together to reimagine the default settings of technology and society. Initiatives like the Data for Black Lives movement and the Detroit Community Technology Project are examples of people working towards a more just and equitable digital world.
Empowering the Next Generation
Benjamin founded the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab to bring together students, educators, activists, and artists to develop a critical and creative approach to data conception, production, and circulation. Through the lab’s projects, students are reimagining technology to respond to the needs of marginalized communities. By examining the impact of Covid-19 on student learning, providing resources for Black mental health, and developing playbooks for Black maternal health, the next generation is taking action to create a more just world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ruha Benjamin’s work highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the ways in which exclusion and bias are embedded in our daily lives and technology. By acknowledging these issues and working together to create alternatives, individuals can have a significant impact on promoting justice and equality. As Benjamin said, "If inequity is woven into the very fabric of our society… then each twist, coil, and code is a chance for us to weave new patterns, practices, and politics." The power to create a more just world is in our hands, and by working together, we can make a difference.
