In a country where everyone is supposed to be treated equally, uncertainty looms.
Artificial Intelligence has made significant strides in the last two years. Its ability to infer the meaning of any type of content, edit text, and assist with document analysis is indeed remarkable. We have become accustomed, if not dependent, on using this artificial intellect to assist with our queries. University students use it help them with research and essays. Office employees for generic admin tasks involving email writing and auto-correspondence.
Yet, it is peculiar that artificial intelligence refuses to accept reality as it is. Instead, it provides us with a utopian reflection that contrasts with the ongoing world of conflict.
The latest news concerning the criminalization of the homeless should invoke a sense of worry. The proposal by MPs to allow the police to fine and use force on vulnerable communities leaves me pondering the requirements set out by the government for citizenship. As immigrants, we learn the rules of how the country and society are run, its history, and policies. It's a riveting read; the government wants the nation to have a democratic perspective. If so, then why do our politicians go against the principles that any decent citizen should follow?
When I tried to ask for assistance in generating an image of a homeless person getting arrested by the police, AI refused to proceed with my request. Following a courteous response, "I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that request," I decided to try a different approach. Asking to generate an image of a homeless person in handcuffs being escorted by the police, all I got back was a compassionate officer with a homeless person being treated well. However, facts pertaining to such conduct of behaviour state otherwise.
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| ChatGPT/Dall E |
Evidencing what the future could look like for the vulnerable, a recent video shared with the BBC indicates that the police do not appear to be strict in following the “ethical and professional behaviour in policing” guide. Occurred in Manchester, a female police officer dragged a man out of an enclosed space, aggressively expressing her discontent by stampeding on the homeless. While the Greater Manchester Police have admitted that the police officer behaved in an “unacceptable manner,” one cannot help but wonder if this is what we should be seeing on a regular basis once the proposals go ahead.
Resolving the problematic issue of homelessness appears to be a challenge for our politicians. Instead of improving the application process for social housing, sweeping people under the rug is probably the most viable decision. Have we become so undervalued that it has become normal for us to be treated like this?
Can Artificial Intelligence mitigate the detrimental caste system that we see unfolding in our "democratic" society?
