From park bench to lab bench - What kind of future are we designing? | Ruha Benjamin | TEDxBaltimore

Summary

The speaker explores the concept of 'discriminatory design' in public spaces and scientific research, highlighting how design choices can exclude certain individuals. Examples include benches with armrests to deter loitering and the use of brain scans to predict criminal behavior. The talk emphasizes the need for inclusive design and the importance of considering diverse perspectives in scientific research to avoid perpetuating social inequalities.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The speaker contrasts their experience of seeking sunlight in the Northeast with their time in warmer climates, highlighting the importance of public spaces for relaxation.
• 🛋️ The concept of 'discriminatory design' is introduced through the example of benches with armrests, which are designed to prevent loitering and reflect broader social values.
• 🌍 Discriminatory design is a global phenomenon, with examples ranging from single-occupancy benches in Helsinki to caged benches in France and metered benches that require payment to sit.
• 💺 The metered bench, created by a German artist, is used by cities worldwide to deter 'bench hogging,' illustrating how public spaces are increasingly privatized.
• 🏛️ The speaker critiques the ethos of prioritizing 'customers' over 'people' in public life, arguing that this approach can lead to the exclusion of certain groups.
• 🔬 Discriminatory design in biotechnology and medical research is a concern, as it can perpetuate social inequalities if not carefully considered.
• 🧬 The story of Siobhan, an African-American egg donor, illustrates how discriminatory design in medical research can have serious health consequences for individuals.
• 🧠 Neuroscience's focus on studying impulsivity in incarcerated individuals is questioned, as it may reinforce existing prejudices and societal issues rather than addressing root causes.
• 🔍 The pursuit of genetic markers for violence, as seen after the Newtown school shooting, is criticized for potentially stigmatizing the mentally ill and avoiding broader social issues like gun control.
• 🌟 The legacy of Henrietta Lacks and the use of her cells (HeLa cells) in medical research raises ethical questions about consent, privacy, and the inclusion of marginalized voices in scientific advancement.
• 🔄 The speaker advocates for a more inclusive approach to design, suggesting that we need to consult a diverse range of voices to create a future that is equitable and considers the social and environmental impacts on all.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker is addressing regarding public benches?

The speaker is addressing the issue of discriminatory design in public benches, which are designed to deter certain behaviors or groups of people, such as loiterers or homeless individuals, from using them.

What are the examples of discriminatory design mentioned in the script?

Examples include single occupancy benches in Helsinki, caged benches in France, and metered benches where one has to pay to sit and avoid spikes.

Why does the speaker believe that the interests of the most affluent should not govern decisions affecting everyone?

The speaker argues that the interests of the most affluent should not govern decisions because it can lead to the reproduction of existing social inequalities and neglect of the needs and concerns of potentially harmed groups.

What is the significance of the term 'discriminatory design' in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'discriminatory design' refers to the intentional design of public spaces or technologies to exclude or disadvantage certain groups of people, often based on their social or economic status.

How does the speaker relate the concept of discriminatory design to biotechnology and medical research?

The speaker relates discriminatory design to biotechnology and medical research by suggesting that the questions researchers ask, the places they look for answers, and the people they consult can all perpetuate social inequalities if not carefully considered.

What is the story of Siobhan mentioned in the script, and what does it illustrate?

Siobhan is a young woman who responded to an ad for African-American egg donors, underwent a procedure that led to health complications, and was later asked to donate her eggs to stem cell research. Her story illustrates how discriminatory design in medical research can lead to negative outcomes for individuals who are not adequately consulted or considered in the research process.

What is the speaker's critique of using brain scans to study impulsivity among incarcerated individuals?

The speaker critiques the use of brain scans to study impulsivity among incarcerated individuals as it targets an already subordinate population and risks reinforcing existing prejudices and profiling policies, rather than addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

How does the speaker connect the study of genetics and violence to discriminatory design?

The speaker connects the study of genetics and violence to discriminatory design by pointing out that focusing on the genetic predispositions of mass killers distracts from broader social and environmental factors contributing to violence, such as gun control and mental health support.

What is the significance of Henrietta Lacks' story in the context of the speaker's discussion on discriminatory design?

Henrietta Lacks' story is significant because it highlights the historical exploitation of marginalized individuals in medical research and the importance of including their voices and consent in the design of medical studies and practices.

What is the speaker's vision for the future of biotechnology and medical research?

The speaker envisions a future of biotechnology and medical research that is inclusive, considers the voices of those who are potentially harmed, and actively works to address social inequalities rather than perpetuating them.