Seeking Mavis Beacon unpacks the fascinating backstory of a name many of us associate with typing education. Jazmin Renée Jones and Olivia McKayla Ross lead a “cyber feminist goose chase,” but what unfolds is so much more. With humor, reverence, and a deeply personal lens, the documentary tells a story about race, technology, representation, and agency. Before beginning their journey, the two filmmakers even hold a prayer circle, grounding their search in community and intention.
Who Is Mavis Beacon?
Mavis Beacon is a fictional character created by software engineers Les Crane, Walt Bilofsky, and Mike Duffy for a typing program. First introduced in 1987, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing became a global success. It sold over 10 million copies and made typing accessible to millions. However, as the filmmakers reveal, Mavis Beacon was never a real person.
The image featured on the software’s original cover belonged to Haitian-born model Renée L’Espérance, a dark-skinned Black woman recruited from a Saks Fifth Avenue counter in Beverly Hills. The choice to feature a Black woman was groundbreaking at the time but also sparked controversy. Renée L’Espérance was paid just $500 for her photo, which went on to define a product that generated millions of dollars in sales. She later sued the developers when her image was edited in unflattering ways for the fifth edition of the software.
While the developers owned the original photo rights, they did not have permission to create derivatives. This led to a legal battle. Although the outcome remains unclear, the incident marked a pivotal moment for the brand. From then on, the creators used various models for Mavis Beacon’s likeness, ensuring no one individual could claim her identity.
As a Millennial, I grew up with typing programs but had never encountered Mavis Beacon. Even so, this story resonates deeply with me as a Black woman who grew up in the 90s. The idea that Mavis Beacon, a fictional character, could carry such cultural significance speaks volumes about the power of representation.
AI, Deepfakes, and the “Aunt Jemima of Technology”
Bay Area native and artist Jazmin Renée Jones and self-proclaimed cyber doula Olivia McKayla Ross bring an insightful perspective to this conversation. The documentary’s exploration goes far beyond the creation of the software. It raises questions about representation in technology and the intersection of race and gender in digital spaces. Why were Siri and Alexa, like Mavis Beacon, designed to present as female? And what does it mean when society uses Black women as symbols of excellence, often ignoring their individual contributions?
The film examines the pervasive dynamic of placing Black women in servitude roles—both in real life and digitally. One featured commentator even calls Mavis Beacon “the Aunt Jemima of technology.” She symbolizes the labor and excellence of Black women without individuality and agency.
The creators chose to use multiple Black women as the face of Mavis Beacon after the lawsuit. This decision ensured no single individual could claim ownership. It also highlights how institutions commodify Black women’s labor while erasing their individuality. Their contributions become fragmented to serve the product, denying them recognition.
Jones and Ross’s investigation takes viewers through archives, digital artifacts, and interviews with software developers. And they do it while cruising in a convertible and rocking colorful box braids. The tone is playful yet deeply reflective, blending Gen Z stylistic elements like displaying social media clips on a computer desktop backdrop with thought-provoking commentary. The filmmakers even incorporate deepfake videos of Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Wendy Williams, imagining them as Mavis Beacon superfans celebrating her cultural impact.
The Legacy of Mavis Beacon
Beyond the controversies, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing became a cultural touchstone, particularly in communities of color. The software earned praise for making computer education accessible and inspiring generations of learners. Even today, updated versions of the program are in use, demonstrating its enduring relevance.
However, the film doesn’t shy away from the ethical questions surrounding L’Espérance’s story. Her disappearance from public view raises concerns about consent, agency, and the frequent commodification and erasure of Black women in technological narratives. As the filmmakers suggest, the story of Mavis Beacon is as much about the person as it is about the character. It reflects how society celebrates Black women as symbols while frequently denying them the credit, recognition, and protection they deserve.
A Compelling Watch
Seeking Mavis Beacon is more than a documentary about a typing program; it’s a deeply human story about two Black women seeking answers, grappling with history, and honoring the labor and legacy of those who came before them. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of race, tech, and cultural representation. Whether you grew up using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing or are hearing about her for the first time, this film offers a compelling look at the woman behind the icon and the legacy she left behind.
Stream Seeking Mavis Beacon on Hulu now.
