PORTRAITS OF MAMI WATA [2023]

Can the text-to-image algorithm—Midjourney (V4) effectively generate studio portraits of "blue-black" or "plum-black" complexioned twins sporting blonde braids?

Contrary to the envisioned melanin-rich hue, a substantial number of Midjourney's (v4) outputs depicted caramel-complexioned fraternal twins. Their hairstyles—often appeared wavy and unnaturally silky, indicating chemical/thermal treatment. This misinterpretation recurred in two distinct scenarios: the first portrayed twins with contrasting complexions—caramel and chocolate, while the second exclusively featured caramel-complexioned twins.

Midjourney's (V4) biased outcomes are symptomatic of real-world hair discrimination against melanin-rich folks who opt for "unnatural" hair colors. Instances of such biases are well-documented. Andrea Santee faced employment discrimination due to her blonde hair; Shirley Bryant—a Black woman with short curly blonde hair endured workplace harassment for deviating from "Afrocentric" hair standards; Dulazia Burchette was coerced to remove blonde highlights or resign (Greene, 2010); Marion Scott was excluded from school photos due to red-colored braids (Abrahamson, 2019).