This week's questions:

  1. In this chapter, Noble highlights results from Google’s first page after searching various identity-related words and phrases (p. 72-78). These screenshots were captured in 2011, and I found myself thinking that, surely, in the last decade, things have changed dramatically. If you replicate the searches now, what has changed? What can we understand from doing a similar type of close reading of the results of today? Are there any differences between our lists of results? If you are so inclined, it may be useful to jot down some notes about your findings.
  2. Noble also highlights the pipeline narrative in the tech industry (p. 64-65), and the problematic nature of holding future generations accountable for the shortcomings of the past and present. Is there anything we as individuals can do to combat this narrative? If so, what?
  3. The rampant sexualization of girls and women, amplified by racial and ethnic keywords, is a major focus of this chapter. What are some of the key takeaways for you?
  4. What would a search engine without built-in bias look like?

Interesting links/additional information from the chapter: