The Fade-Out of Shirley, a Once-Ultimate Norm: Colour Balance, Image Technologies, and Cognitive Equity

摘要: Until recently, due to a light-skin bias embedded in colour film stock emulsions and digital camera design, the rendering of non-Caucasian skin tones was highly deficient required development compensatory practices technology improvements redress its shortcomings. Using emblematic “Shirley” norm reference card as central metaphor reflecting changing state race relations/aesthetics, this essay analytically traces several adjustment processes visual representation industries identifies some prototypical changes field. It is be read historical background rationale for creation insertion flesh-tone, colour-balance computer chips within imaging technologies. introduces original concept “cognitive equity”, which proposed an intelligent strategy creating promoting equity by inscribing wider dynamic range into all image technologies, products, emergent industries.