In Understanding Digital Racism, Sanjay Sharma has composed a terrifically insightful analysis of the extensions and transformations in racism as a result of digital technology. Sharma focuses on how its driving architecture—networks, algorithms, and scale—embeds, reproduces, but also "charges" new expressions of racist culture and a postracial techno-sociality of control. A book, as a result, that importantly advances understanding of the framing and shaping of contemporary technologies of racism, in turn informing research, teaching, and activism.
— David Theo Goldberg, distinguished professor of anthropology, University of California, Irvine
Understanding Digital Racism uniquely examines the emergence, propagation, and mutation of digital racism, delving into the racial logics of contemporary digital culture. This remarkable book provides a nuanced understanding of digital racism, while simultaneously offering interdisciplinary insights into combating this pervasive socio-technical phenomena. Sharma’s approach is theoretically rich through his conception of digital racism as “assemblages,” but also fearless in unpacking real-world implications. This is a must-read for scholars and researchers seeking to confront the complexities of contemporary digital racism.
— Dhiraj Murthy, professor of media studies, sociology, and information, University of Texas at Austin
This book is a valuable resource for media ethics scholars who are interested in delving into the ethical quandaries presented by rapidly evolving digital technologies. It poses questions for media ethicists to respond to, and provides rich resources for understanding the often-overlooked ethical responsibilities that should guide the development of the technologies and in the network environment. Furthermore, the book serves as a practical tool for media professionals and educators to educate the public and students about the socio-technical entanglements of racism online. With its robust theoretical foundation, the book unveils many concealed or obscured facets of digital technologies. As the author notes, each of the three primary parts can be read independently, which also makes them excellent resources for advanced seminars.
— Journal of Media Ethics