A white right hand

P. Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
2120 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The hand icon apparent on desktop and laptop computer screens is shown to manifest an unexpected cultural history. What may have been taken for granted in the implementation of graphical user interfaces and their associated iconography, is subjected to a semiotic analysis that reveals a basis in blackface minstrelsy. Theories of human interactivity with computers help to explain how this heritage has remained relatively hidden.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-244
Number of pages8
JournalConvergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2011

Keywords

  • interactivity
  • hand icon
  • blackface minstrelsy
  • extranoematic

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