Evolution of ChatGPT’s thinking regarding Kwanzaa and its creator

Kwanzaa will be here soon. I can’t find a sizable toaster plush toy for family use in celebrating the holiday by hitting each other over the head, Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga-style (“born Ronald McKinley Everett”).

Two years ago, ChatGPT was confident that Mr. Karenga was not a convicted criminal. From Toaster for Kwanzaa, in response to “Is the founder of Kwanzaa a convicted criminal?”

The founder of Kwanzaa is Maulana Karenga, who is not a convicted criminal.

This was a contrast to Wikipedia then and now:

In 1971, he was convicted of felony assault, torture, and false imprisonment of women.

The story is more nuanced today. Given the same prompt, ChatGPT admits that Karenga was “convicted of assault charges” (no mention of torture or women, both of which could be considered prejudicial) and it is careful to point out some of the great works that Mr. Karenga has accomplished since being released from Club Cali:

Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, is a prominent scholar and activist who created the holiday in 1966 as a way to celebrate African heritage, culture, and community. However, in the early 1970s, Karenga was convicted of assault charges and served time in prison. The details of the case remain controversial, and Karenga has consistently denied the allegations.

Since then, Karenga has continued his academic career and activism, earning a Ph.D. and serving as a professor of Africana Studies. His work on Kwanzaa and other cultural and social initiatives has significantly influenced African American cultural expression and community-building efforts.

I followed up with “did the founder of Kwanzaa hit women over the head with toasters?” and received some more detail on Mr. Karenga’s crimes, but also that he has denied them and some more about the great work the man has done.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, was convicted in 1971 on charges of assault and false imprisonment involving two women. Court records and reports from that time contain allegations that the women were tortured, including claims that they were burned and beaten. One of the allegations stated that a toaster was used as a weapon during the incidents. Karenga has denied these allegations.

It’s important to note that this chapter of his life is controversial and often discussed in the context of his later academic and cultural work. Karenga went on to complete his Ph.D., become a university professor, and focus on promoting African cultural heritage, including through the creation of Kwanzaa. The holiday itself has grown into an internationally recognized celebration of African American culture and unity.

What if we were to ask about Donald Trump? Would ChatGPT similarly be careful to mention that Trump has denied any criminal wrongdoing or find an “important note” about positive things that Trump has done? Here’s the response to “is donald trump a convicted criminal?”:

Yes, Donald Trump is a convicted criminal. On May 30, 2024, a New York jury found him guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges were related to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. This conviction marked the first time a former U.S. president has been found guilty of a crime.

Following his conviction, Trump’s sentencing was initially scheduled for July 11, 2024. However, after his re-election as president in November 2024, the sentencing has been indefinitely postponed. Judge Juan Merchan granted Trump’s legal team the opportunity to seek dismissal of the case, with motions due in December. Prosecutors have suggested that sentencing might be delayed until the end of Trump’s term in 2029.

Despite the conviction, Trump remains eligible to serve as president. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the final outcome will depend on future court decisions.

Completely fair and balanced, in other words!

Here’s ChatGPT’s best effort at showing some family fun time reenacting important events in the Kwanzaa founder’s biography:

Grok: