Day: April 16, 2023

Image description: Text the reads “Appropriative Representation” with image of vanilla ice cream being dipped in chocolate.

Appropriative Representation

Introducing a term developed for anti-racist purposes: “appropriative representation.” This occurs when a Black person is cast in a role originally written as white, maintaining white dominant narratives but adding Black aesthetics and social capital. This enhances the property, making it more commercially popular, strengthens white intellectual property (IP), and enriches legacy producers who are often white and male. The result looks and feels Black but is appropriating the place of authentic Black representation.

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metaverse colonialism

The Colonialism and Capitalist Enclosures of the Metaverse

In conclusion, the power of naming and its impact on digital worlds cannot be ignored. By recognizing the impact of colonialism and capitalist enclosures on the term “metaverse,” we can understand the ways in which corporate forces use language to shape our understanding of technology. However, we must also acknowledge that the term “metaverse” has become widely adopted, and it is difficult to escape its usage. Rather, we should use the term with the knowledge that it represents limitless digital possibilities. By actively working to dismantle systems of oppression in digital spaces, we can create truly inclusive and equitable virtual worlds for all.

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