Summary
In her talk, Dr. Yalanda A. Rankin addresses pressing global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in the U.S., advocating for the use of critical frameworks in addressing complex societal issues. She specifically proposes leveraging Black feminist epistemology to foster equitable design, aiming to focus on historically excluded groups. Dr. Rankin outlines three main takeaways: the historical role of technology in oppressing marginalized communities, the responsibility of researchers to create inclusive experiences, and the imperative to prevent the continuation of oppression through technology. By applying Black feminist thought in her research, she highlights its importance in understanding the nuanced experiences of marginalized identities, particularly Black women in gaming contexts. Her research includes studying Black women's gameplay experiences, where she discovered their preferred gaming behaviors and the significance of intersectionality in representation. Dr. Rankin emphasizes the need for diverse and authentic representation in the gaming industry, advocating for Black women to not only be consumers but also producers of game content. She underlines that recognizing and addressing the varied experiences within the Black community is essential for fostering innovation and resilience in facing social injustice.
Key Insights
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Black feminist epistemology can serve as a critical framework for equitable design.
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Technology can perpetuate oppression if not examined through the lens of historically excluded groups.
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Understanding the intersectionality of race, gender, and oppression is crucial in design and representation.
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Researchers hold the power to influence questions and inclusivity in their studies.
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Creating technology that acknowledges and respects the lived experiences of Black women leads to broader benefits for all.
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Engaging Black women as co-designers empowers them to define their own representation in gaming.
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The absence of Black women in gaming underscores the need for deliberate representation.
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Playtesting with Black women reveals insight into their unique gaming experiences and preferences.
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Self-definition in virtual representation is vital, allowing users to shape their digital identities.
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Recognizing diversity within the Black community is crucial for creating inclusive technology.
Notable Quotes
"We need to understand the role that technology and innovation play in the oppression of historically excluded groups."
"The technology we create should not oppress historically excluded groups."
"When deaf students are part of mainstream environments, everyone benefits from learning American Sign Language."
"Designing technology from the perspective of what matters to Black women is just as important as any other social group."
"Games can be used as alternative pedagogical tools to supplement traditional learning."
"Black women's experiences are the focal point in Black feminist epistemology, positioning them as agents of change."
"It's essential not just to appreciate Black women’s experiences but to put that knowledge into action."
"Accommodating intersectional game characters is vital for authentic representation."
"Players should have control over how they are represented in digital spaces."
"By working within Black communities, we create safe spaces to share experiences and insights."
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