Avoid Ghetto App - For When the Block is just too Hot

Microsoft Patent does what Our Education System Never Could: Keep people off the street.

words Robert Hribernick

On January 3rd, 2012, Microsoft patented a new system for GPS devices that will allow pedestrians to avoid bad weather and unsafe areas. Why pedestrians would have to worry about localized weather shifts is not something the patent discusses.

But overall, that seem like a pretty useful idea. I mean, I'd like to avoid bad weather and WAIT. What do YOU MEAN, "UNSAFE AREAS?"

That's right. The software uses recent crime statistics to divert users away from areas in which they are statistically more likely to get shanked, shot and/or heated, merc'd or "ridden on."



Already dubbed the "Avoid Ghetto" App, Microsoft's latest has sparked some hilarious responses, along with, as is usually the case when the national media so freely uses the word "ghetto," some serious accusations of racism.




The software is under fire because tends to highlight black neighborhoods as "unsafe." The problem, unfortunately, is not with Microsoft's new tech. Any sensible evolution of GPS technology was bound to involve some sort of geographic analytics, and while Microsoft foolishly walked right into this, they are merely a scapegoat for some deeeeeeeply rooted societal problems.

An application that tells you there is a higher crime rate in black neighborhoods is not to blame for the presence of a high crime rate in black neighborhoods. The horribly corrupt system upon which the United States are built is the issue. The fact that we are still able to draw statistically delineate neighborhoods based on skin color is the issue. The fact that a piece of technology draws attention to this makes the collective unconscious uncomfortable, and causes them to look for something to blame.

What I'm trying to say is: Don't kill the messenger. Look deeper and see what the problem really is.

Personally, I wouldn't use the app. I don't live in mortal fear of being caught in a reenactment of Dead Prez's "Hell Yeah" video, though. If you do, maybe this app's for you.

Seriously though, this is a Top 10 All Time video.