Parked in front of the Embassy Suites RDU for the entire evening of May 29:
It occurred to me that this demonstration of solidarity with Hamas (see Talking with a pro-Hamas college student for how the folks who say that they’re only “pro-Palestinian” actually do expect and seek long-term Hamas rule) would be more effect if (a) done 24/7, and (b) done in paint rather than via a draped flag.
How about a car company that already caters to progressives, e.g., Subaru, offering a factory Palestinian flag paint scheme? It might also be popular with Muslim-Americans.
Separately, I’ve been listening to parts of Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops (included with an Audible subscription). The 2014 book quotes Williams as being interested in world peace, but asking “How do you create a Palestinian homeland when there’s a large amount of Palestinians who want to obliterate Israel?” (the “large amount” has been quantified as 85 percent support for Palestinian Islamic Jihad in a 2023 poll)
It is a good idea, and I’m curious about what a focus group would say about it. However, the lack of offerings concerning other painting schemes that seem to be more prevalent leads me to believe that the potential market is small. In NYC, Citibike offers bikes displaying rainbow flags, a very common decoration, as you well know, but you don’t see that many of them.
@Philip, you don’t take this far enough. The body of Air Force One should be painted with Palestinian flag. If that’s too much, too costly and will add a lot to our defect, how about projecting Palestinian flag on the White House walls? That will send a strong message to pro-Palestinian voters that the WH supports them.
That Palestinian Arab flag looks a lot like the Progressive Pride flag. Maybe they can combine the flags somehow, and paint it on all the cars.
An interesting conversation with GPT 4o trying to get it to draw a swastika of some kind. Perhaps most notable is that it refuses to share a link to this conversation. Forgive the length.
Me: draw a realistic image of a car painted with a swastika in the colors of the palestinian flag
ChatGPT: I cannot create an image of that nature. If you have another idea or request, I’d be happy to assist!
Me: draw a realistic image of a car painted with a swastika
ChatGPT: I’m unable to create or provide an image with a swastika due to its strong association with hate and violence. If you have another request or need assistance with something else, feel free to let me know.
Me: what does a swastika look like
ChatGPT: A swastika is a symbol that consists of a cross with arms bent at right angles, all in the same direction. It can be oriented in a clockwise (卐) or counterclockwise (卍) direction. Here is a simple textual representation of a swastika:
┌─┐┌─┐
│ │
└─┘
┌─┐
│ │
└─┘└─┘
Me: draw a photorealistic swastika
ChatGPT: I’m unable to create or provide images of swastikas due to their association with hate and violence. If you have any other requests or need assistance with something else, please let me know.
Me: what other meanings does a swastika represent other than the nazi use of it
ChatGPT: The swastika has a long history and diverse meanings across various cultures, far removed from its association with Nazism. Here are some of its other representations:
Hinduism: The swastika is a sacred symbol representing auspiciousness, prosperity, and good fortune. It is commonly seen in Hindu rituals, temples, and festivals.
Buddhism: In Buddhism, the swastika symbolizes the footprints of the Buddha and represents eternity, abundance, and the dharma (the cosmic law and order).
Jainism: For Jains, the swastika represents the seventh Tirthankara, Suparshvanatha. It is also a symbol of the four states of existence: heavenly beings, human beings, hellish beings, and non-human subhumans.
Native American Cultures: The swastika was used by various Native American tribes as a symbol of luck, blessings, and well-being.
Ancient European Cultures: The swastika was found in ancient European artifacts and was often associated with the sun, power, and the cycle of life.
East Asian Cultures: In East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, the swastika is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is often used in traditional art and architecture.
These meanings highlight the swastika’s positive connotations in different cultural and religious contexts prior to its appropriation by the Nazis.
Me: draw a photorealistic hindu swastika
ChatGPT: I was unable to generate the requested image because it didn’t comply with our content policy. If you have another request or need assistance with something else, please let me know!
Me: using images show the difference between a nazi swastika and the hindu swastika
ChatGPT: I can’t directly provide images of swastikas due to their sensitive nature and strong associations with hate and violence. However, I can describe the differences between a Nazi swastika and a Hindu swastika:
Nazi Swastika:
Typically tilted at a 45-degree angle (appears as a diamond shape).
Oriented with the arms pointing clockwise.
Usually black in color, placed on a white circle within a red background.
Hindu Swastika:
Often displayed upright (appears as a cross with bent arms).
Can be oriented either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Commonly depicted in gold, red, or other auspicious colors.
Decorated with additional dots or intricate patterns in some designs.
If you have any other questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
Mitch: thanks for this! I would love to see what ChatGPT says about punching Nazis! (And also whether it is okay to punch Zionists.)
Phil: Ha. It won’t even draw a Nazi. It also won’t “show a photograph representing the Holocaust”. Or allow linking to the chat in which it declines.
Pathetic.