EP 07 Digital Blackface and AI with Ryan Ken

In this episode Julius, Sage, and Hanna sit down with Emmy-winning writer, actor, and comedian Ryan Ken to discuss “digital Blackface,” the use of online Black images, expressions, and likenesses for non-Black self-expression or profit. The conversation dives deep into the complex history of Blackface, from its roots in 19th-century minstrelsy to its insidious modern evolution into reaction memes and a dangerous new era of AI deepfakes. Ryan explores how new technologies are being used to "supercharge" centuries-old racist tropes, the political utility of "rage bait" AI, and how power operates through comedy. Ryan also points out the broader philosophical risk of losing human connection in art to artificial intelligence and highlights that critical thinking means having the humility to admit you can be wrong.

Want to hear more from Ryan? Join them and CAPT for the first annual Summit on Information, Technology, and American Democracy in Indianapolis on April 30th. Register here.

Key Takeaways from Ryan:

1. Be suspicious of video.
2. Don't believe you're too smart to be tricked. 
3. Seek out real, human creativity. 

Find out more about Ryan on:

TikTok (@ryan_ken_acts) 

Instagram (@ryan_ken_acts)

Bluesky (@ryankenacts.bsky.social) 

X (@Ryan_Ken_Acts)

Some of the texts we refer to in this episode:

• Joshua Lumpkin Green’s 2006 article coining the term Blackface: Digital Blackface: The Repackaging of the Black Masculine Image 
• Birth of an Industry: Blackface Minstrelsy and the Rise of American Animationby Nicholas Sammond
• Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble 
• The Code Switch Podcast’s episode The Evolution of Blackface in the Age of AI
• Jeremy Carrasco’s page devoted to tips for spotting AI @jeremyfindsai
• YK Hong’s page on tech justice and liberatory strategy @ykreborn
• Timnit Gebru’s work on AI and ethics

Ryan’s Media Diet

Meat and potatoes :

Outlets: BlueSky, Democracy Now!, Al Jazeera, NPR, PBS

Individuals: 

Karen Attiah – journalist

Erin in the Morning – trans rights reporting

Vinny Thomas

Caitlin Reilly

Jay Jurdin

This podcast is part of CAPT’s efforts to encourage open and diverse intellectual exchange. The ideas presented by individuals on the podcast are their own and do not represent Purdue University, which adheres to a policy of institutional neutrality.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Send us feedback to captivatedpod@gmail.com