Race in the Machine: A Novel Account

Race in the Machine is a novel that explores the concept of race in the context of social warfare and intelligent machines. It follows the protagonist, a social mechanic at Nearbay Institute, as they navigate a world where the stories we use to explain race dictate our interactions and beliefs. Through a series of experiments and encounters, the protagonist develops a distinct understanding of race and confronts important questions about racial inequality. The novel oscillates between allegory and complexity, weaving a unique and nuanced portrait of race in the modern world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In a captivating tale that delves into the depths of social warfare, an intelligent machine is crafted to explore the intricacies of race and its profound impact on human experiences. The protagonist, an enigmatic social mechanic residing at Nearbay Institute, finds themselves grappling with a fundamental question: What exactly constitutes race in the context of the social machine? This prompt sets off a captivating intellectual journey, encompassing a series of experiments that shed light on the dynamics of racism, the roles of non-racist actors in perpetuating inequality, the mechanisms of bias acquisition, and their widespread dissemination.

Through the metaphorical manipulation of time, vivid dreams, and enigmatic communications that elude comprehension, the protagonist develops a distinct perspective on race. Scholarly encounters with both antagonistic colleagues and unexpected allies, coupled with introspective self-reflection, lead the hero to a devastating conclusion about themselves and the world they inhabit.

Race in the Machine is a thought-provoking and illuminating work that skillfully navigates between allegorical simplicity and impossibly complex narratives. It paints a nuanced portrait of race in the modern world, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the underlying mechanisms that contribute to racial inequality. This novel encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and actions and to strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503631229