I’m looking for a new home. It terrifies me that the decision of whether or not I can have one in this society is pre-determined by a set of financial circumstances and ideas based on a history of bad choices. Indeed, one’s history is important in determining one’s future. Still the algorithms that tell people credit rating and whether or not you’ll make a good rentor or whether or not you should ever be allowed to buy a home are based on numbers and data that are provided without any context or any interest in the character of the person. In truth the character is in many ways determined by these numbers.
For the record: My numbers suck.
They have for some time and it is not a thing I find I tell anyone. Yet here we are. I am sharing this information because it plays such a crucial role in what happens next in my life and while I respect that and understand that, I remain terrified by it. I don’t know that anyone will look past the algorithm to take on the opportunity that is me because it means taking a chance. We live in a society that eschews chances. Instead we rely on data and numbers that assure the greatest potential for success.
I worry I will be stuck in my present situation until I can right the wrongs of my algorithmic data and remake myself into the kind of person the system loves and is willing to give these things that I, and all of us, desire. I want a home. I want a comfortable and wonderful place to continue raising my kids.
I don’t know if I will get it.