occasional reflections on culture & politics
https://youtu.be/uiT8i0q18-A Social media is very good at giving us a platform to speak. But how it does that affirms our worst tendencies. What do I mean? And what can we do about it? As we all can see, we are living in a time of high volatility. We've been at it for a while. And… Continue reading #308: Think Before You Post: How Social Media Affirms Our Worst Tendencies — And What We Can Do About It
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG_ns_NRv3E [This post is a modified transcript of a video posted already on November 1, 2023] Today we're doing something different. These videos usually show me talking with limited entertainment value. I've been advised to mix things up, and I typically use my own photographs. My website features poetry, photography, and other content, and I've… Continue reading #303: What Is Bias? How Do You See It in Artificial Intelligence?
Truth isn't a quick fix; it's a relentless pursuit fraught with complexities. We often confuse knowledge with understanding, mistakenly believe consensus equals correctness, and underestimate the power of questions. Competing truths exist alongside facts, and in an AI-driven world, discerning reality is more vital than ever. Brace yourself—truth is hard work.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is driven by imperial ambition, not security concerns. The analysis traces this aggression to a long-standing denial of Ukrainian identity and sovereignty. It argues that Ukraine must win—not only to preserve its independence, but to halt the spread of authoritarianism and restore credibility to international law. The conflict is framed as a decisive moment in the global struggle between empire and self-determination.
Drawing parallels with Babylon 5, the post reflects on political stagnation, moral fatigue, and the erosion of democratic ideals. It suggests that society is caught in a narrative of decline, where leadership falters and hope dims. Yet, it also hints at the possibility of renewal through vigilance, resistance, and storytelling.
The post documents and condemns Hamas’s attack on Israel, emphasizing the brutality and ideological extremism behind it. It argues that the assault was not a spontaneous uprising but a calculated act of terror. The analysis calls for solidarity with victims and a rejection of narratives that justify or minimize such violence.
The post defends diversity in science fiction and superhero media, arguing that these genres have always engaged with social justice. It critiques backlash against female and minority protagonists and celebrates the genre’s progressive legacy as a space for ethical and philosophical exploration.
AI’s rapid development is critiqued as ethically and epistemologically dangerous. The post warns that unchecked systems can distort truth, amplify misinformation, and undermine democratic discourse. Drawing on media theory and philosophical traditions, it calls for regulation, transparency, and a pause in deployment to ensure responsible integration into society.
Peace is defended as inseparable from justice and resistance to aggression. The post argues that helping Ukraine is not warmongering but a moral imperative to defend sovereignty and human rights. It critiques false neutrality and calls for solidarity with democratic nations under threat.
The post advocates for hope as a political and philosophical stance. It critiques fatalism and argues that optimism enables action, creativity, and resilience. Drawing on historical progress and human ingenuity, it calls for renewed belief in the possibility of a better world.
Digital culture rewards outrage, misinformation, and shallow engagement. The post critiques algorithmic manipulation and the erosion of attention spans, warning that democracy and reason are at risk. Reclaiming the internet requires deliberate effort to foster depth, nuance, and truth.
Complexity is essential to understanding both ideas and people. Moral and political debates suffer when reduced to slogans or caricatures. True engagement demands humility, historical awareness, and intellectual rigor. Democracy requires expertise, not just opinion; knowledge must be earned, not assumed.
The slap at the Oscars was wrong, but Smith apologized. Continuing to vilify him reflects a punitive culture obsessed with moral purity. Forgiveness and proportionality are essential to public discourse. Let the apology stand.
Canada’s progressive image is challenged through a critique of environmental policy, indigenous rights, and civil liberties. Trudeau’s support for pipelines—especially through First Nations territories—is framed as environmental destruction and disregard for native sovereignty. Emergency powers invoked during the trucker protests raise concerns about free speech and proportionality. The romanticization of Canada by American liberals is questioned, suggesting that idealism often ignores uncomfortable realities. The grass isn’t always greener—it’s just differently mowed.
Technology’s nudges toward healthier habits are well-intentioned but often ineffective. Sleep hygiene requires more than reminders—it demands lifestyle change. The post reflects on digital interventions and the deeper need for self-awareness and discipline.
Democracy requires respecting the electorate, even when they vote against you. Demonizing voters reflects elitism and undermines democratic legitimacy. Politicians must communicate clearly, align with real concerns, and avoid ideological arrogance. Voters are experts in their own lives.
Political success depends on addressing real-world concerns: economy, education, safety, infrastructure, and climate. Identity politics and ideological purity alienate voters. The post urges Democrats to focus on pragmatic solutions and inclusive messaging, not symbolic battles or moral grandstanding.
Romanticizing the lone genius undermines scientific integrity. Most breakthroughs come from collaboration and consensus. Distrusting expertise in favor of contrarianism breeds misinformation. Science is a communal pursuit, not a stage for ego.
Selfies are critiqued as symbols of narcissism and digital detachment. The post explores how constant self-documentation distorts identity, undermines authenticity, and replaces experience with performance. Real presence demands stepping outside the frame.
Emotion and ideology distort public health responses. The post defends logic, data, and scientific reasoning as the only reliable tools for navigating COVID-19. Clear thinking is framed as a moral and civic necessity.
Humanities and social sciences offer essential tools for interpreting power, culture, and identity. The post argues that public discourse suffers when these disciplines are dismissed as abstract or elitist. Theory is not a luxury—it’s a framework for understanding the world and shaping democratic debate.
Social media incentivizes conformity, performance, and instant gratification. The post warns that algorithmic culture erodes depth, originality, and risk-taking. Creativity requires solitude, slowness, and imperfection—qualities at odds with digital metrics.
Media trust depends on transparency, accountability, and editorial integrity. The post critiques bias, sensationalism, and corporate influence, while defending the necessity of journalism. Trust must be earned—not assumed or rejected wholesale.
Game of Thrones’ final season is interpreted as a political allegory. Daenerys embodies the seductive danger of authoritarian idealism. The post critiques the narrative arc as a warning against messianic leadership and the collapse of democratic institutions under charismatic rule.
Public discourse is increasingly shaped by outrage, vilification, and performative cruelty. The post critiques media and political figures who normalize hate, warning that democracy cannot survive without decency. Naming evil is necessary—but so is resisting its methods.
Truth is not plural. The post critiques the idea of “alternative facts” and defends journalism as a public good. While bias exists, the solution is media literacy—not retreat into echo chambers. Reality must be shared to sustain democracy.
Media shape how we think, not what we think. The post explores framing, agenda-setting, and narrative influence, arguing that awareness—not rejection—is the key to navigating information. Blaming media oversimplifies complex dynamics.
Erratic Attempts 