Microsoft just got a patent approved for a avoiding unsafe neighborhoods when navigating via GPS. According to Microsoft, the feature is specifically aimed at pedestrian travelers, and factors conditions such as weather, terrain, and "security information" (read: crime statistics).
In other words, this feature makes it possible to take a slightly longer route in order to avoid "economically challenged areas". This announcement has been getting a fair amount of attention, as some have interpreted this function as having racial undertones, and unfairly penalizes businesses in high crime areas, and panders to unfounded fears of certain neighborhoods.
What do you think? Good idea or a step backwards in equality? Let us know.
Sounds like useful information. Why wouldn't you like to know if you are in a high crime area?
100% USEFULl information. People need to get off their high horses with this PC bullshit and wake up and see REALITY..... I think this is a fantastic feature and I would use this on a regular basis
I think this is an excellent feature.
I am an honest, hard working person, with children. I work hard for what i have.
I don't care that i may hurt somebodies feelings because i don't want to put myself or my children in a place where people think earnning something means Welfare and stealing.
I would want to know alternative routes that would steer me away from high crime areas. It has nothing to do with race and everything to do with safety. For instance, I live in a predominantly caucasian small city that has its high crime areas. The criminals are 96% caucasian. I know where these areas are and I avoid them (especially at night because their best work is done under the cover of darkness). I certainly don't stop in these areas or patronize businesses there day or night.
I'm familiar with my own territory and I use that knowledge in an effort to be safe. I would certainly appreciate that advantage while traveling. Those wanting to say this is racial profiling or unfair to businesses are missing the whole point. Safety first, people!
I love it how the 3rd posts says: "For instance, I live in a predominantly caucasian small city that has its high crime areas. The criminals are 96% caucasian." because this implies that most bad ghettos areas are dominated by the Negro which is true! As much as everybody likes to think they are so politically correct, they know to themselves that it is the Negro which spoils society!
I see nothing wrong with this feature. My family and I got lost in a "bad" part of town in Tampa, FL a few years ago. I had to stop at a gas station and ask for directions while my family sat in the car with the doors locked. Our fear had nothing to do with race.
The truth to be told it has something to do with race; and people fear more from "other" races. But who cares? As most people said, it's about personal safety - everybody wants to get home fast and safe.
A fat is a fact. When we stopped looking at the truth in situations in order to avoid upsetting special groups of people, it was a sad regression of human civilization. I think a person's health and safety is worth much more than the slight someone else might choose to imagine. If the product's manufacturer neglected to provide information like this (when it has weighed the pros and cons and it is feasible to implement the technology)to warn innocent, ignorant travelers then they would be remiss and unethical in their methods.
In the country where I live it is very commom to install free maps covering high-crime areas and get the GPS to inform you when you approach such (although the GPS by itself up to now don't have the capability of automatically avoid them)
As a matter of fact, it is one of the most important features that people look for after speed radars. Trust me, you won´t find yourself in such areas...
Wish I could purchase and install on every GPS I own. If people want to call it profiling, so be it. I research the places I travel to now for high crime and avoid. No difference when on GPS just easier.
I definitely want to know how to avoid high-crime areas. Crime statistics are color-blind. Crime is crime and I don't want to drive through areas which are riddled with crime, regardless of who lives in that area. I would never want to see anyone risk the lives of others just to prove how politically correct they are--this is a good innovation. It is only a shame that it is Microsoft who is patenting it.
I find it quite offensive and ... let's say counterproductive. I'm a skinny middle American white farm boy who went off and lived in big city ghettos, among other places, and worked professionally on racial profiling before they were even calling it racial profiling.
It is not necessary. I've been the only white guy in my neighborhood in the Bronx. People are people. It's a rich life to see it, instead of frown and avoid it. (I've never lost so much as a penny on the streets, and I commuted to work wearing suits)
annonymous, you aren't wrapped to tight if you aren't afraid of some areas in some cities. I too am a skinny white boy, I am married to a beautiful black woman. There areas where neither she or her brother's will go, and it isn't only areas where it is predominately black, ever hear of the Latin Kings etc.
There are areas where if you have the wrong color hat on or make the wrong gesture with your hand you can be in big trouble, so get off your P. C. soapbox.
It is my right to see crime statistics. It is my right to avoid areas with high instances of violent crimes. If that bothers you, it is your right to feel offended, but not to limit my rights.
Best thing yet keep up the great ideas.
What if you live in the Ghetto and you want to get one? I cant steer clear of the Ghetto,its my home! lol