The year is 2042. Remote-controlled robots, or "telerobots," are commonplace, mediating human interaction in various sectors – from customer service to conflict resolution. In the bustling metropolis of Neo-Kyoto, a specialized team utilizes telerobots to address escalating racial tensions between the city's long-established Japanese population and a growing immigrant community from across the Pacific Rim. These telerobots, equipped with advanced AI and sophisticated sensory capabilities, allow mediators to interact with individuals remotely, minimizing the risk of physical confrontation and fostering anonymity. However, the anonymity afforded by these machines presents a unique challenge. While reducing immediate conflict, it can also exacerbate underlying biases. Mediators often find that individuals express more extreme views or engage in more aggressive behavior when shielded by the robotic interface. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in conversations involving sensitive racial issues. One particularly challenging case involved a heated dispute between a young Japanese woman and an immigrant worker from the Philippines over a parking space. During the initial confrontation, both parties exhibited hostility and made derogatory remarks. However, when a mediator intervened using a telerobot, the conversation initially improved. The anonymity allowed for a more controlled exchange. But as the discussion delved deeper into the root causes of their conflict, long-held racial prejudices resurfaced, albeit expressed more subtly through carefully chosen words and subtle nonverbal cues picked up by the robot’s sensors. The challenge for the mediators wasn't simply resolving the immediate dispute but also identifying and addressing the underlying societal prejudices fueling the conflict. This required not only skillful negotiation but also a deep understanding of both Japanese and Pacific Rim cultures, and the historical context of their interactions. The team recognized that technological solutions alone were insufficient. They developed a supplementary program that paired online educational resources with the mediation process, fostering mutual understanding and empathy between different ethnic groups. The Neo-Kyoto experiment reveals a complex interplay between technology, human behavior, and societal challenges. The telerobots, while offering significant advantages in conflict resolution, also highlighted the deep-seated nature of racial prejudice and the limitations of purely technological solutions. Addressing these ingrained biases requires a multifaceted approach combining technological innovation with comprehensive social and educational initiatives.
1. According to the passage, what is a major drawback of using telerobots in conflict resolution involving racial issues?
2. What supplementary program did the Neo-Kyoto team develop to address the limitations of using telerobots alone?
3. The passage suggests that resolving racial conflicts effectively requires:
4. What is the primary purpose of the passage?