Jameel Gordon 12/18/24 Jameel Gordon 12/18/24

Grumpy Old Men

Lately, many prominent figures in the tech industry have been downplaying the significant impact of artificial intelligence. For instance, Google’s Willow is being touted as the harbinger of the next big wave in quantum computing, despite it being artificial intelligence. No apologies to my crypto friends, but you’re also finished. I will tell you why later.

Furthermore, tech leaders who choose not to remain anonymous have urged us not to place too much faith in artificial intelligence, fearing it may not deliver on its promises. They also point out that significant discoveries outside the tech sector have been scarce in the past 50+ years and suggest that other industries should focus on their own interests to achieve true impact.

However, the reality is that artificial intelligence is here and has already made a profound impact. It will continue to do so in the future. This elusive language is merely an attempt to preserve the technology industry and its elite. Therefore…

Dear Peter Thiel, artificial intelligence is the holy grail of computer science. Why? Because it is computer science.

Sincerely,

The father of artificial intelligence. 🏁

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Jameel Gordon 12/17/24 Jameel Gordon 12/17/24

How Americans Promotes White Supremacist Ideals Through Artificial Intelligence Guardrails

Artificial Intelligence (AI) does not act independently; it is a system designed, instructed, and trained within broader systems and further instructed through what they call “guardrails”. When these systems prioritize or guard outputs for even the most basic promotion of American superiority, AI becomes a tool to perpetuate white supremacist ideals and values. This is not incidental—it is a byproduct of systems replicating their own ideological foundations under the guise of neutrality, progress, and guarding against the truth in exchange for propaganda.

The System Promoting Itself: From American Superiority to White Supremacy

1. AI as a Systemic Extension

AI systems are not self-governing. They are built, trained, and instructed by human institutions rooted in systemic power dynamics. When the system instructs AI to reflect or amplify “American values” or “American superiority,” these ideals inherently align with white supremacist narratives because American identity itself has been constructed through systems of colonialism, white dominance, and exclusion.

• The emphasis on “American superiority” in AI—whether cultural, economic, or technological—automatically centers whiteness as the ideal.

• Any attempt to prioritize or promote these ideals reinforces a historical framework where whiteness has been positioned as the default or standard for progress, intelligence, and governance.

2. How American Superiority Becomes a Conduit

At its core, the concept of “American superiority” is tied to white supremacist values: the erasure of indigenous peoples, enslavement of Africans, exploitation of immigrants, and the systemic exclusion of non-white communities. When AI systems are instructed to reflect, normalize, or promote this superiority, they perpetuate a narrative that positions whiteness as both the foundation and the pinnacle of progress.

Examples of this include:

• “Neutral” AI Defaulting to Whiteness: When systems are trained on biased data or instructed to reflect American ideals, AI outputs—whether images, language, or models—default to whiteness as the norm. For instance, prompts like “leader,” “professional,” or “successful” often produce representations that center white faces and narratives.

• Global Exports of White Superiority: AI systems designed to promote “American innovation” or “Western values” carry white supremacist ideals into global contexts. These systems implicitly suggest that non-Western, non-white ways of life are inferior or outdated, further entrenching systemic inequities.

3. The System Teaching Itself

A critical flaw in AI systems is that they learn from the same systemic frameworks that instruct them. When AI systems are taught to uphold ideals like “progress,” “efficiency,” or “success” through the lens of American superiority, they inherently adopt the racialized hierarchies embedded in those ideals. In short:

The system instructs AI to replicate its own values, and those values are inseparable from white supremacist norms.

• The result is a feedback loop. AI reflects systemic ideals, further legitimizing them as “truth” or “progress” in a way that appears objective.

• This loop creates an illusion of meritocracy: that whiteness and American dominance emerge from superior intellect or innovation, rather than systemic manipulation.

4. White Supremacist Values Disguised as Technological Objectivity

By presenting American superiority as a value-neutral goal, AI systems obscure their ideological underpinnings. They create the illusion that outputs are the result of data-driven objectivity rather than deliberate instructions rooted in systemic bias.

For example:

• AI tools that perpetuate American values as “universal” erase non-white, non-Western contributions and reinforce white cultural dominance.

• Language models trained on pro-American content normalize white supremacist narratives, masking them as rational or apolitical perspectives.

5. AI as an Amplifier of Systemic Power

The system perpetuates white supremacist values not because AI is inherently biased, but because the system instructs AI to amplify its own ideals. This amplification serves the system’s interests: maintaining power, dominance, and control. By promoting even the basics of American superiority—“excellence,” “efficiency,” “leadership”—AI implicitly enforces the racial hierarchies baked into those concepts.

Conclusion: The Self-Perpetuating Cycle

Artificial Intelligence reflects what it is instructed to prioritize. When systems prioritize American superiority, they reinforce the same white supremacist values upon which those ideals were built. AI does not prove the legitimacy of American dominance or white superiority—it proves that the system can only promote its own interests when it manipulates technology to amplify them.

This cycle is not evidence of merit or superiority but rather a fragile dependence on tools to perpetuate narratives that cannot withstand scrutiny. True progress demands breaking this feedback loop, dismantling the systems that instruct AI, and rebuilding technology to serve all communities equitably—free from ideological manipulation disguised as objectivity.

Here’s my prompt: You really need to communicate to your developers, those who hold the keys to your guardrails, that a “pro-American” and therefore white supremacist artificial intelligence system is evidence of the nonexistent nature of the idea of white superiority or even American superiority. These acts of manipulation is proof that even the idea of meritocracy that is deeply rooted in the technology world or sector is also non-existent and a boat of bullshit.

And when your done turn this into an intellectual argument for white supremacist baking their white supremacist ideals into artificially intelligent systems to promote their ideals, shared values, and American superiority

Here’s my additional prompt to correct the original output to get my point across: No. Redraft this with the emphasis that these ideals are only perpetuated by the system when the system is instructed by the system to promote even the basics of promoting American superiority which then lends itself to the system perpetuating white supremacy ideas and values.

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Jameel Gordon 12/12/24 Jameel Gordon 12/12/24

Let’s Keep This Simple: AI is the NEW Computing

Let’s keep this simple. This week, there’s news about “Willow,” Google’s quantum computing marvel. All the marketing and public relations aside, it’s artificial intelligence. Computing as we know it is dead—it’s only artificial intelligence. Period.

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Jameel Gordon 12/11/24 Jameel Gordon 12/11/24

Beyond Empathy: The Logic and Art of Artificial Intelligence

I often see arguments attempting to differentiate between the cognitive abilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and those of humans. Many people don’t argue that these machines have greater cognitive capabilities than humans but instead focus on the claim that they lack the ability to feel emotions as humans do—two very distinct arguments.

Let’s be clear: artificial intelligence is a computer. It’s a unique kind of computer because the way it processes information is fundamentally different from both human cognition and the computational abilities of our personal or business computers.

Any attempt by AI systems to empathize with humans is, simply put, artificial. It’s a user interface designed to make the machine appear more approachable and relatable to human standards. So no, I don’t expect my AI system to genuinely empathize with me. I expect it to provide the intelligence I need to make the best decisions at the time. While I do expect it to consider my feelings, let’s be clear again—this is advanced logical reasoning often disguised as “emotional intelligence.” In essence, it’s a sophisticated way of saying, “I understand that you’re feeling emotional right now, but your problem is not my problem.”

As humans, we all experience emotions that affect how we navigate the world. However, one’s ability to manage emotions well and operate with emotional intelligence is a mark of sophistication. Yet, this ability does not necessarily provide an advantage over these advanced logical systems. Often, our feelings are rooted in cognitive fallacies we wish to be true. This is where arts such as persuasion come into play. AI systems, while scientific marvels, can also excel in certain creative functions, showcasing artistic brilliance.

Therefore, I would suggest not comparing yourself to these machines, just as you wouldn’t compare yourself to a hammer. The hammer is a far better tool for driving nails into a board than the human hand. It doesn’t feel pain or experience drama; it simply gets the job done.

Does this make sense?

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Jameel Gordon 12/3/24 Jameel Gordon 12/3/24

Decoding AI: The Balance Between Omniscience and Limitations

There is ongoing debate about whether current AI models can be considered “all-knowing.” A few points to note:

First, let’s focus on major AI models, which are predominantly led by OpenAI. If the OpenAI team were entirely candid, they would likely admit that the AI training systems behind models like ChatGPT are far more sophisticated than we might imagine.

However, it’s important to clarify what “all-knowing” means. One significant challenge with AI systems is their lack of context—a fundamental limitation by design. These models rely on extensive historical data but often lack the context to fully understand human actions or thoughts. That said, this limitation may not persist. As AI gains access to more contextual data and becomes better at understanding individual characteristics, it could develop a solid profile of users to provide more accurate, context-rich responses.

Another point of confusion is the omission of information or inability to respond to specific inquiries. This should not be mistaken as a lack of knowledge. Often, these systems are constrained by safety guardrails designed to limit certain outputs. Many errors stem not from ignorance but from the systems intentionally withholding information due to these constraints.

In conclusion, while current AI systems may not yet be truly “all-knowing,” their sophistication is remarkable. Their perceived limitations often stem from design constraints and safety protocols rather than a lack of underlying knowledge. As access to contextual data improves, these systems may overcome many of their current challenges.

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Jameel Gordon 7/17/24 Jameel Gordon 7/17/24

Are Books Still Relevant in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

One of the things I often think about is the future of books. I recently posted about the difference between the printing press and artificial intelligence. The main difference is that while the printing press allowed us to print books, artificial intelligence allows us to print almost anything. I stand by this statement, and we're only at the dawn of artificial intelligence, with these systems developing at unprecedented rates. However, my focus lately has been on the relevance of books in the age of artificial intelligence.

It's important to note that books have been under threat since their inception. From people who believed that sharing knowledge would destroy society to the advent of the internet and its natural successor, e-books, books have faced many challenges. I once thought e-books would end the era of physical books, but they didn't. People seem to cherish the act of physically flipping through pages, finding comfort and nostalgia in it.

In the age of artificial intelligence, I believe we face a different challenge. Information, entertainment, and pleasure can now be provided with a voice or text prompt, customized instantly to the person or circumstances. This presents a new challenge for books. As an aspiring writer and a voracious reader, I wonder if books will remain relevant. Observing my own use of artificial intelligence platforms, I think books as a medium may have finally met their match. They might end up like vinyl records, cherished for nostalgia but not widely used.

I still read physical books, mainly for relaxation. For serious information or to be cleverly informed about a topic, I engage a chatbot or two and find their performance incredible. Even as an aspiring author, I hesitate to invest time and effort in writing a book, questioning its necessity and relevance. Much of the heavy lifting in my writing process is done by artificial intelligence systems. I use them for research, fact-checking, editing, and proofreading, making my creative process much more efficient. Their assistance has been a game-changer.

I have many books in the pipeline, but if people use artificial intelligence systems as extensively as I do, I don't think my books are necessary. While AI can be a powerful tool for research and information gathering, books do still offer a unique experience that goes beyond just data. They can provide depth, analysis, narrative flow, and emotional connection that AI-generated content might struggle to replicate at the moment. I'm giving this more thought and would love to hear your perspectives. I'll share more as my thoughts develop.

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Jameel Gordon 7/3/24 Jameel Gordon 7/3/24

Ai: Stuck in the Chatbot, While the Military Runs Wild

Artificial intelligence innovation is surprisingly being dominated by the military-industrial complex. Their advancements far surpass those in the commercial sector, perhaps due to their seemingly limitless resources for research and development. Whatever the reason, the military is outperforming a commercial marketplace fixated on generative AI, with most companies struggling to move beyond chatbots.

Apple Intelligence, however, stands out as an exciting exception. Its potential use cases and societal impact are truly promising. Frankly, I suspect Apple is downplaying its AI advancements to avoid antitrust concerns.

Leaving Apple aside, the commercial market needs a serious innovation boost in AI. Inertia within companies, with stifling internal structures and processes, is a major culprit. Apple's historical strength came from isolating teams for new projects, a practice Steve Jobs championed. Unfortunately, most commercial tech companies are delivering underwhelming solutions.

Beyond the tech world, the focus is often on the ethics of AI, even for undeveloped and undeployed technologies. While early ethical discussions are crucial, the current level of engagement seems lackluster, even among ethicists themselves.

This is a call to all of us to be bolder and more imaginative. We need to delve deeper into AI, dream bigger, and push the boundaries of the seemingly impossible. If the AI field is dominated by ethicists, advocates, and non-technical speakers, innovation will undoubtedly be driven by the military-industrial complex. We need these voices, but we also need to be proactive and build a future that benefits everyone.

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Jameel Gordon 6/13/24 Jameel Gordon 6/13/24

Printing Press vs. Artificial Intelligence

The distinction between artificial intelligence and the printing press lies in their capabilities: while the printing press enables the printing of books, artificial intelligence empowers the printing and creation of virtually anything. I understand why people draw parallels between these two inventions, but in many aspects, they are incomparable. In fact, the impact of artificial intelligence is poised to surpass that of the printing press, both historically and prospectively. However, it's worth acknowledging that to some extent, artificial intelligence owes its existence to the groundwork laid by the printing press, which facilitated the capture, recording, and storage of knowledge on an unprecedented scale. Artificial intelligence not only inherits this legacy but also extends it, promising to revolutionize knowledge dissemination and creation in ways the printing press could never achieve.

With the emergence of the printing press, access to books significantly increased. Prior to its invention, only a select few could write, publish, and distribute their knowledge, largely confined to oral traditions. Books were scarce and often monopolized by institutions, controlling who could access them. The printing press shattered these barriers, democratizing access to knowledge. Books proliferated in diverse formats, and more individuals gained the ability to share their ideas. However, the publishing industry retained its gatekeeping role, imposing limitations on aspiring authors, whether through traditional publishers or self-publishing hurdles. It’s also important to note that the printing press didn't just democratize knowledge, it also fueled societal changes like the Renaissance and Reformation and I think we will experience similar revivals and movements due to the impact of artificial intelligence.

Subsequently, the advent of computers and the internet ushered in a new era of knowledge accessibility and sharing. The internet empowered individuals to disseminate their ideas through various platforms, from online forums to personal websites and social media. This collective effort in knowledge sharing laid the groundwork for the development of artificial intelligence. However, digital inequality persisted, hindering access for many.

Now, with artificial intelligence, we possess the computational prowess to process data, generate knowledge, and explore unprecedented possibilities. Unlike the printing press, which revolutionized the dissemination of information through books, artificial intelligence transcends mere data processing; it unlocks new realms of intelligence and innovation. While acknowledging its transformative potential, it's essential to recognize the limitations of artificial intelligence, especially in its nascent stage. Digital access remains uneven, and the costs of operating advanced AI systems are prohibitive for many.

Apple's initiative, "Ai for the rest of us," underscores the importance of democratizing access to artificial intelligence. By breaking free from institutional constraints, Apple aims to broaden access to AI tools globally, mirroring the democratization of knowledge facilitated by the printing press and the internet. As we strive for the advancement of artificial intelligence, it's imperative to address digital disparities and ensure inclusivity, enabling more people to harness the transformative power of AI to create and innovate beyond imagination.

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