Silicon Valley has a solution for everything, but who do its ideas really serve? Every Thursday, Paris Marx is joined by a new guest to critically examine the tech industry, its thought leaders, and the worldview it spreads. They challenge the notion that tech alone can drive our world forward by showing that separating tech from politics has consequences for us all, especially the most vulnerable. But if tech won't save us, what will? This podcast isn't simply about tearing tech down; it also presents radical ideas for tech designed for human flourishing instead of surveillance, acquisitions, or to boost stock prices. A better world is possible, and so is better technology.
How Race Was Central to Prop 22 w/ Veena Dubal
Paris Marx is joined by Veena Dubal to discuss how Proposition 22 and the contract status of gig workers is reminiscent of the United States’ history of racial wage codes, which codified lower wages for Black workers.
Veena Dubal is a Professor of Law at UC Hastings. Follow Veena on Twitter at @veenadubal. Go back to episode 10 (May 21, 2020) for Veena’s first appearance on the podcast.
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Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, support the show on Patreon, and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
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Also mentioned in this episode:
- If you’ve ever assigned an episode of the podcast in a college or university course, let me know by Twitter DM, email, or through this form.
- Read Veena’s essay on The New Racial Wage Code.
- Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois had opposing philosophies for Black social and economic progress.
- Robert C. Weaver and David Roediger wrote about differential wages.
- Uber put up a billboard saying, “If you tolerate racism, delete Uber.” Drivers were not happy.
- Uber and Lyft held up workers’ unemployment claims, and Lyft charged for PPE.
- After Prop 22, gig companies raised fees despite promising not to, and workers reported earning even less money.
- In August, Prop 22 was found to be unconstitutional.
- New York City recently passed new protections for delivery couriers after organizing by Los Deliveristas Unidos.
- Find out more about Rideshare Drivers United.