Exploiting the Margin: How Capitalism Fuels AI at the Expense of Minoritized Groups

This article investigates the complex nexus of capitalism, racial oppression, and artificial intelligence (AI), revealing how these elements coalesce to deepen social inequities. By tracing the historical exploitation of marginalized communities through capitalist practices, the study demonstrates how AI technologies not only reflect but also amplify societal biases, particularly in exacerbating racial disparities. Through a focused analysis, the paper presents how AI's development and application exploit marginalized groups via mechanisms such as gig economy labor abuses, biased facial recognition technologies, and the disproportionate mental health burdens placed on these communities. These examples underscore the critical role of AI in reinforcing and intensifying existing inequalities. Concluding that unregulated AI significantly threatens to compound current oppressions, the article calls for a concerted effort towards responsible AI development. This entails adopting a holistic approach that rectifies systemic flaws and champions the empowerment of marginalized individuals, ensuring that technological advancement contributes to societal healing rather than perpetuating cycles of exploitation.