Exploring Siri's Role in Social Justice and Technological Innovation
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The Impact of Police Violence on Communities of Color
In various regions across the United States, the issue of police violence against Black Americans remains a critical concern. Over the past few years, numerous incidents have been captured on video, revealing how routine traffic stops can escalate into tragic outcomes, sometimes resulting in fatalities that defy explanation. A notable case occurred in 2017 when Philando Castile was fatally shot by police during a standard traffic stop in Minnesota (Hodge, 2017). The incident was live-streamed by Castile's girlfriend on Facebook, driven by her fear for her life (CBS, 2017). This footage reached millions and ignited nationwide protests. Castile was not a criminal; his mother emphasized that he was merely "driving while black" (Hodge, 2017).
Because of the ongoing nature of these alarming events, Black parents often feel compelled to have "the talk" with their children. This conversation revolves around the proper conduct during police encounters, as parents recognize that failing to do so could potentially endanger their children's lives (Janey, 2017). The threat of police harassment while driving is palpable; for instance, a Black state attorney in Florida was stopped and questioned by an officer over alleged issues with her vehicle's license plate and window tint. The body cam footage of this incident garnered media attention and reignited discussions about racial profiling (Rosenblatt, 2017).
Technological Solutions for Social Justice
To address this pressing social justice issue, a technological solution emerged in the form of the Siri shortcut, “Hey Siri, I’m getting pulled over.” Developed by Robert Petersen in 2018, this shortcut has been continuously updated to ensure compatibility with newer iOS versions (Vincent, 2020). Launched alongside iOS 12, the Siri Shortcuts app allows users to trigger a sequence of commands on their iPhones by simply saying a configured phrase. Setting up these shortcuts is user-friendly, requiring no coding skills and working seamlessly with native iPhone apps. Users can also download shortcuts created by others for added convenience.
Once the shortcut is activated by saying, “Hey Siri, I’m getting pulled over,” several actions occur: music playback pauses, screen brightness dims, Do Not Disturb mode activates, and the front-facing camera begins recording both audio and video. Additionally, a message is sent to a designated contact with the user's location, informing them of the situation (Lee, 2020). Upon stopping the recording, the video is automatically uploaded to the cloud and sent to the chosen contact. Peterson, the shortcut's creator, likens this tool to a civilian equivalent of a police body camera (Vincent, 2020), aiming to enhance accountability in police-civilian interactions. This grassroots initiative exemplifies how existing technologies can be repurposed to empower individuals facing law enforcement, providing a means to document their experiences safely.
The first video, titled "Hey Siri, I'm being pulled over" showcases how to use this shortcut effectively. This video guides viewers through the features and benefits of the Siri shortcut, emphasizing its importance in protecting individuals during police encounters.
The second video, "Hey, Siri, It's the Police," presents an advanced version of the "Hey Siri, I'm getting Pulled Over" shortcut for iPhone users. This video dives deeper into its functionalities, illustrating how it can be a vital tool in navigating interactions with law enforcement.