In 2025, there seem to be as many narratives about AI as there are startups peddling the stuff. According to esteemed sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom, the answer is clear: no matter which way you slice it, the AI future is for the rich. Cottom cuts to the heart of an issue that both AI doomers and AI boosters seem to take for granted: that an AI-dominated future isn’t inevitable. “I think that being Black is an act of refusal, I think we know how to refuse,” she told the audience. That’s my daring idea.”More on AI: Google CEO Says We’re All Going to Have to Suffer Through It as AI Puts Society Through the Woodchipper