Chris Trottier2d ago

Multiple people “reported” me for this post showing a screenshot of Donald Trump literally comparing himself to Jesus Christ.

First off, that report ultimately goes to me—the owner of my instance. There is no higher authority on atomicpoet.org than me. Which is by design.

Supposedly, the issue is that you didn’t “consent” to seeing a post about Trump. But nobody “consents” prior to a post going public. That’s not how social media works. There’s no Fediverse Authority to decide which posts publicly hit the federated timeline.

Even so, I firmly believe there are things that need to be seen—whether people like it or not. And one of them is that Donald Trump literally put up an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus, in a white robe and red cloak, surrounded by worshippers. One of them is praying to him.

If this offends you, good. It should. It offends me too. Everyone should be offended. If you’re religious in any way—Christian or otherwise—you should react with profound distaste. And if you’re an atheist, yeah, you should also be offended. This should be a universally offensive thing.

I therefore refuse to hide that image behind a content warning because, yeah, everyone needs to know it exists.

RE: https://atomicpoet.org/objects/f3e63850-d50a-43af-81ac-cedd4861f9f1

Show threadmyrmepropagandist2d ago

@atomicpoet

I think you are getting this reaction because it *is* objectively a really gross image, worse it is AI generated.

With no effort they can create endless propaganda and slop. And, even if you are looking at it to be critical you are still looking at it.

I agree we can't ignore this. I'm mystified that more Christians aren't offended and horrified.

This is idolatry.

I'm most offended by the war planes in the sky like angles. Applying a gloss of holy glory to war is sick.

Show threadmyrmepropagandist

@atomicpoet

I sometimes think that the only right way to fight propaganda is with better propaganda.

Here are some images that make me feel 'proud of America.'

What are some other images like this?

Apr 13 at 9:16amWeb
Show threadmyrmepropagandist2d ago

@atomicpoet

Those of us who know how harmful propaganda and patriotism can be shy away from using such imagery. Because it can be manipulative. But by not defining what we mean by "America" we allow others to rush in and define it for us.

You don't need to think "my country right or wrong" to be proud of your country.

Here is another image that means a lot to me:

Show threadChris Trottier2d ago
@futurebird I have lived minutes away from the USA my entire life. Lived in Crown Heights, Brooklyn for a year. Family are Americans.

Talking about Trump never fills me with pleasure because I know Trump is not the USA.

So when I talk about Trump, it’s because I feel something existential about where the world is going.
Show threadjandi2d ago
@futurebird @atomicpoet