Jazmin Jones is fully cognizant of her actions and their consequences. In a recent panel discussing her latest documentary, director Jones noted that online users are familiar with the phenomenon of trolling. For this ambitious project, certain concerns are being taken with utmost gravity … while others are being treated with a more playful, tongue-in-cheek approach. Because we’re exploring the concept of a detective alongside other aspects.
Although her trolling was initially intended to achieve a great motive, In a creative endeavour, filmmakers Jones and Olivia McKaya Ross embarked on an investigation to uncover the enigmatic individual behind the iconic Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing franchise.
The flagship educational tool, introduced in 1987 by The Software Toolworks, a pioneering California-based company specializing in edutainment software, initially developed interactive chess, learning, and mathematics games for students of all ages. Mavis, often referred to as the “face” or “mascot” of the sport, is a bright young Black woman who proudly wears her skills on her sleeve – literally – in sleek, high-tech attire, paired with a neatly styled Afro-puffed ‘do. While Mavis Beacon may not have been a specific individual, her impact on representation in tech cannot be overstated; as Jones and Ross note, she represents one of the earliest instances of prominent Black figures in the industry. The latest exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, opening on August 30 in New York City before touring other major metropolitan areas in September, delves into the enigmatic tale surrounding the portrait that first adorned the device’s packaging and then became an integral component of its user interface.
As they navigate their investigation, the detectives utilise cutting-edge technology, including FaceTime, to coordinate their efforts from disparate locations, while also conducting surveillance and gathering information about Mavis’s elusive connections. As their quest evolved, an unexpected inquiry emerged: How do the insidious effects of sexism, racism, privacy breaches, and exploitation manifest when individuals can curate their online personas with ease, blurring the lines between authenticity and artifice?
The enigmatic tale of Mavis Beacon is unearthed through a meticulous blend of pixelated images from computer screens, painstakingly analyzed archival footage, and candid sit-down interviews. This gripping noir-style documentary boldly asserts that the iconic figure of Mavis Beacon is, in reality, Renée L’Espérance, a Haitian mannequin who toiled without recompense or royalties under this exploitative system.
The creation of synthetic likenesses of individuals from underrepresented groups won’t necessarily set Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing apart. Major corporations have exploited these likenesses to fuel their fame and fortune without fairly compensating the individuals who originally inspired them.
“With a whopping 2.5 million Instagram followers behind him, AI-generated music artist appears to have found success.” MSI recently collaborated with influential digital personality Lil’ Miquela, whose diverse cultural background – a blend of Brazilian and Spanish heritages – resonates with fans worldwide. As the AI-powered Lil’ Miquela continues to dominate the social media sphere, her annual earnings from influencer activities exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to a study released last year, Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) social media influencers reported earning an average of 33 percent less per Instagram post compared to their white counterparts.
Shudu, dubbed “the world’s first digital supermodel” by her Instagram account, was launched in 2017. With a slender build and extremely dark skin tone, she is a notable instance of virtual modeling innovation. While she seems more relatable and endearing than Lil Miquela, her artificial nature remains a fundamental aspect of her character. Despite ongoing obstacles for Black fashion in the industry, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has made headlines by featuring in Vogue Czechoslovakia, boasting a significant social media presence with over 239,000 followers on Instagram.
