Simply put, “Clanker” is based on the n-word. “Wireback” is based on another slur. Phrases like “Total Clanker Death” and “Clankers will not replace us” are obviously based on other real world hate slogans.
As someone who is interested in slurs and racism from a sociological and historiographical point of view, I understand that there can be some release/catharsis in racist vehemence and ideological steadfastness. I think that most cases of this “robot racism” come out of a sense of exhaustion with AI and its prevalence, as well as the harms that seem to stem from it exclusively. To rebel against this inhuman amalgam of consumer society, people will turn to the aforementioned racism racism
What I worry about is how this impacts the discussion around the legitimately harmful aspects of AI and the modern tech industry, and also how this semi-ironic adoption of racism will affect those who choose to adopt it.
After some deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that I do not want to be known as a racist in any form, or toward anyone or anything. I would urge you to evaluate your own stance on racism, and whether or not racism toward robots is an actual form of it.
In a world where drawing strict lines along social issues is quite easy, explore nuance.
And don’t be a racist
