Issue 32

the Week of February 1, 2016
Octopus tentacles.

In our first issue of 2016, we explore our beliefs (dreams? projections? fantasies?) about artificial intelligence, look beneath the surface of tech “diversity initiatives,” and discuss the impact of transmisogyny in the interview process. We think about what — and who — gets acknowledged in open source and open culture, and how to build healthier communities and tooling. We reflect on BDSM culture in the digital age, analyze how “awareness” operates in tech, and critique how White Feminism functions in geek and gaming spaces. Photo CC-BY Chelsea Marie Hicks, filtered & cropped.

A ceiling light glowing in a dark room.

Women in Tech and The Awareness Problem

We never interrogate exactly what we have become aware of, or what it’s all been for.

Photo of brightly-colored marbles, suspended in air over a field.

The Core Belief Keeping Marginalized Groups Out of Tech

Two ideas conspire to drive underrepresented groups from the field: the belief that innate ability and brilliance are required to succeed; and the belief that certain groups of people do not have that innate brilliance.

A black woman with her head tilted back, mouth opened as if screaming.

Dear White Women in Tech: Here’s a Thought — Follow Your Own Advice

You’re happy to use the means afforded to you for being white while doing nothing meaningful for women of color.

by Riley H
Someone making the "shh" gesture with their finger in front of their mouth.

BDSM Online: Community and Safety in the Age of 50 Shades

Online and off, the community continues to struggle with implementing tools that protect its newest members.

A humanoid robot gazes into space, mechanical parts visible between plates of "flesh".

Robot Culture is Human Culture

The interrogation of the robot’s motives interrogates its algorithms, its programmatic lineage, its manufacture, the factory of its origins, the mountains from which its metal was mined.

Arches of neon lights stretching across an outdoor field, like an animate graph.

Acknowledging Non-Coding Contributions

Giving people the recognition and respect they deserve is the start of helping evolve open source software into a more sustainable ecosystem.

Swirling whirlpool of muddy water.

Gender Bias In Hiring: Interviewing as a Trans Woman in Tech

Being trans brings an entire new layer of bias and discrimination to play in every interview.

This issue is made possible in part by some of our generous readers: Sean Miller, m. forbes, Josh Lucas, Lani Rush, Megan Ruthven, Will McCutchen, and Kristian GlassTo become a sponsor, email modelviewculture -at- gmail.