Down to the Garden

“Speaking for myself,” Smith writes, “I’m the one severely triggered by statements like ‘Chaucer is misogynistic’ or ‘Virginia Woolf was a racist.’ Not because I can’t see that both statements are partially true, but because I am of that generation whose only real shibboleth was: ‘Is it interesting?’”

Zadie Smith 

I like the statement, and it parallels much of how I feel.  But let's problematize for a moment.  What do we/does she mean by "interesting"?  The fear in A.I., I've learned, is that some people with "mental health issues" (should we problematize?) were too affected by A.I.'s subservience.  

"Show me the man, and I'll find the crime." This is similar to a quote from Cardinal Richelieu, who said, “Show me six lines written by the most honest man in the world, and I will find enough therein to hang him,” also suggesting that evidence can be found to incriminate anyone." 

Authoritarian principles that should scare anyone.  Can you prove your mental health is OK?  Up to par?  What it should be?

Some things are just weird.  I wanted this illustration to have the figure holding the cat in her lap.  Nope.  That is against guidelines.  WTF?  Can she hold a flower?  Sure, but not a cat.  Can the cat be at her feet?  O.K. 

Interpret this image if you will.  I don't know if that is Beria or not, but I'll bet dollars to donuts you can't reproduce the image in ChatGPT.  

Did Freud's grandson have mental health issues?  How about any of the artists of the Weimar Republic?

But I understand.  Life should be like the Hallmark channel.  Do you think I'm kidding?  Life is scary. . . then you die.  We all want safety and protection, just some more than others.  Did you see the video of the 50 year old American who just skied down the North Face of Everest?  WTF x 2!  

"Judy, take that poster down.  Children, safety is important, but it certainly shouldn't be first."

That is "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," I think but I've never gone back to check it out . 

I've got to go.  Mom's got an appointment in a few moments.  Our day starts early.  

I'll be back.