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Designers from the UAE have created a detector of political correctness – the device was presented at Dubai Design Week
What’s going on
- As part of Dubai Design Week, designers Zina Ahmad Issa and Mohammad Baazim from the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation presented their latest development, a politically incorrect speech detector.
- The device was named “Themis”, in honor of the Greek goddess of justice. As conceived by the authors, it will help improve the culture of communication in society – the detector acts as a neutral judge who reacts to “trigger” expressions.
- “Themis” is equipped with artificial intelligence that responds to statements and sounds that may be perceived as inappropriate in relation to different cultures, social issues, and so on.
- Reactions can be of two types: the device warns the author of an incorrect statement about the danger of using it in a social environment, or it makes annoying sounds that should cause shame for what was said.
- All parts for “Themis” were 3D printed and then spray-painted “stone-like”.
- It is expected that this device can be used in places where there are active discussions and discussions, such as office conference rooms, university auditoriums and school classrooms.
What does it mean
In the modern world, political correctness means caution in words and actions, namely the avoidance of expressions that can offend or humiliate vulnerable social groups, such as sexual and national minorities, people with disabilities, and so on. Despite the fact that this concept is aimed at respect for the feelings of other people and does not carry any negative message, even in the developed countries of the world, discussions about its necessity do not subside. For example, the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, repeatedly stated during his election campaign that he “does not have time to be politically correct”:
“I think that our country has a big problem – political correctness. I’ve been challenged by so many people, but honestly, I don’t have time for full political correctness. And our country also does not have time for this, ”Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
The main critics of political correctness call it the new censorship, although, according to the plan, it should be based on empathy, and not prohibitions and restrictions. The development of the ability to sympathize with another person and respect him allows you to build healthy relationships in society, which is important both in the work and educational teams.