Algorithms are sets of rules in data that are often used today but these data sets are not free from unfair use or biased use. Cathy O’neil simply defined algorithms as ‘opinions embedded in math’. She states that these algorithms are viewed as objective and unbiased because its math and numbers and those are free from bias but the way algorithms are built allows for those mathematicians and data set builders to implement their own idea of success into the algorithms.1 Because the definition of success is different for every person each algorithm can come up with different results. These algorithms in modern day use allow for inherently racist and sexist ideals to be prevalent in modern media. Search engines, like Google, in particular have been one of the most problematic in having these racist or sexist algorithms as stated in Noble’s book, Algorithms of Oppression.2 The search results for black girls and other minority women come up with results that both objectify them and have a very sexist point of view. This is something that Google’s search algorithm allows for in mass media.
Feminism in the 1930’s was one of the better things about that decade. In a time where the Great Depression struck most people very hard, feminism, coming of the heels of the success of the women’s suffrage movement, progressed forward. The monetary struggles of the 1930’s pushed women to get jobs and provide monetary support for their families which was very rare until this point. This got women out of the house and gave them more freedom socially.
WPA era activists and modern activists share a common goal of pushing for equality for everyone across the board. They both utilize the power of media to get their message out. Granted, modern activists have the luxury of the internet and have easier access to more people and this can aid their movement but WPA era activists had the same intent and utilized their own skills and resources. Algorithm critics are part of that modern activist movement as they are pointing out the biases in these algorithms that most people do not recognize and calling for that change to create a better and more unbiased future.
