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The caste system and racism were inseparable from autocracy.
In Westernia, divisions based on color or social status remained a centuries-old habit that was touted as conservative values in a ridiculous rebranding that echoed all the inequalities that had shaped Westernia’ s odious history. In an era that was thought to be over, old habits died hard with what was euphemistically called the digital caste system, with citizens transformed into data subjects. Workers plunged into precariousness were managed by cold, inhuman supervisors: AI. Dissent was read in the minds of citizens when they dared to comment on social media, and special algorithms targeted subjects considered a threat to the established order and suppressed any ideology deemed subversive in the name of“ community standards.” In Westernia, techno-authoritarianism was codified. It used facial recognition, social credit, and predictive policing under the guise of personalization, safety, or national security.
Flashmag! Issue 160 May 2025
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