Muslim World Report

AI Absurdity and the Transformation of Political Discourse

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 30, 2025 2:13 PM | 10 min read | 1958 words

TL;DR: The rise of AI is fundamentally reshaping our political landscape, often trivializing serious issues. This post explores the impact of absurdity on political discourse and argues for reclaiming narratives lost in technological commodification.

The Absurdity of AI in Our Political Discourse

In the age of digital innovation, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and our political landscape has birthed a myriad of discussions—some profound, others absurd. As we delve into the complexities of AI’s role in shaping narratives, it is vital to dissect its impact within contexts that matter, particularly against the backdrop of global imperialism.

Consider the recent frenzy surrounding an AI-generated image that sparked controversy for its bizarre representation of the Canadian maple leaf. Initially dismissed as a mere triviality, this instance reveals a deeper issue: the commodification of culture and identity in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Just as the Dada artists of the early 20th century used absurdity to challenge the status quo and provoke thought in the face of war and turmoil, the peculiarities of AI-generated content force us to confront the strangeness of our own political discourse. The image’s oddity and the ensuing chaos on social media underscore a crucial point:

  • The absurdity we accept in our political discourse today often mirrors the nonsensical outcomes of AI-generated content (Buckingham Shum & Luckin, 2019). Are we, like the Dadaists, in need of a radical reevaluation of what constitutes meaningful dialogue in the age of technology?

What If AI Reshaped Cultural Symbols?

What if we consider the implications of these digital distortions? When cultural symbols are filtered through algorithms designed to maximize engagement, we must ask ourselves:

  • What becomes of our shared identities?
  • Is the AI-generated maple leaf merely an amusing glitch or a signal of the broader cultural lens through which we now operate?
  • Can we reclaim cultural representation from algorithmic manipulation?
  • What happens when our collective symbols are reduced to mere content for clicks?

This leads us to figures like Donald Trump, who has become a lightning rod for dissent and derision. The visceral reactions against him—expressed through passionate declarations like “Fuck Donald Trump”—are not just personal grievances; they encapsulate a collective frustration with an imperialist agenda that prioritizes power over people.

Consider the cultural upheaval during the 1960s, when figures like Martin Luther King Jr. transformed public discourse and identity through powerful symbols of resistance and unity, such as the peace sign and the raised fist. These symbols were more than mere images; they were calls to action that resonated deeply within the collective consciousness. In contrast, Trump’s administration was emblematic of a larger trend in which political maneuvering feels like a bizarre performance, akin to an AI misinterpreting cultural symbols (Gümüşay & Reinecke, 2021). If our symbols can be so distorted, can they still serve as rallying points for unity, or do they risk becoming hollow echoes of their former meanings?

What If Our Political Engagement Became a Performance?

What if we accept that political discourse has devolved into performance art? When political statements are reduced to memes and slogans, how do we engage with the realities of governance and global dynamics? The performance of politics can obscure genuine discourse, leading to a gap between political reality and public perception. This dynamic not only trivializes critical issues but also amplifies the absurdity of our engagement. It’s reminiscent of the ancient Roman games, where the spectacle of gladiators distracted the populace from the intricacies of governance and societal issues; could our modern performances serve a similar purpose?

As we navigate this era, it is essential to critique not only the individuals in power but also the systems that enable them. The same technology that produces unsettling images can perpetuate imperialistic narratives, often distorting the realities of marginalized communities (Dwivedi et al., 2023; Gillespie, 2024; Benston & Jameson, 1983). For instance, during the U.S. invasion of Iraq, social media played a crucial role in shaping public perception through curated content, which often overshadowed the chaotic realities on the ground. The commodification of content becomes an avenue through which imperialistic narratives are reinforced, skewing our understanding of diverse experiences. Should we not ask ourselves: in our quest for engagement, are we becoming mere spectators in our own democracy?

What If We Reclaimed the Narrative?

What if we were to reclaim our narratives from the grip of technology? The commodification and algorithmic distortion of content create an urgent need for critical examination of our political engagement. If we fail to address this, we risk:

  • Perpetuating a cycle where meaningful discourse is drowned out by the noise of viral sensationalism.

Consider the impact of the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. This revolutionary technology democratized information but also led to the spread of misinformation and propaganda, as seen in the rise of pamphlets during the Reformation. Just as those early printed materials shaped public opinion, today’s digital platforms significantly influence our political climate. As we analyze chaotic responses to AI-generated images and political spectacles, we must remain vigilant about the implications of these dynamics. In this context, the humor found in absurdity should not distract us from the serious implications of our current trajectory. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection.

We must ask ourselves:

  • What does it mean when our political discourse is reduced to memes and soundbites, much like the pamphlets of yore?
  • How are the complexities of imperialism overshadowed by the latest viral sensation, similar to how the noise of propaganda once drowned out critical debates?

What If Absurdity Became a Catalyst for Change?

What if we used the absurdity of AI and political discourse as a rallying point for anti-imperialist sentiment? Just as the Dada artists of the early 20th century embraced absurdity to critique the senselessness of war and societal norms, we too can reclaim the narrative. Recognition of the interplay between technology, culture, and politics is crucial to fostering a movement that amplifies voices historically marginalized.

This is where a critical understanding of the political landscape intertwines with the implications of AI’s presence. The existential questions posed by the intertwining of technology and politics compel us to think deeply about the kind of future we want to build. We must confront the absurdities of our current conditions with a sense of agency, challenging the systems that produce them. In what ways can we transform the ludicrous into a powerful tool for social change, much like the Dadaists used chaos to inspire a reevaluation of cultural values?

The Consequences of Misplaced Engagement

As we forge ahead, it is crucial to recognize the perils of misplaced engagement. The normalization of absurdity can desensitize us to crucial issues that require our attention. For example, during the late 1960s, the Vietnam War protests were overshadowed by sensational media coverage that often focused on dramatic imagery rather than the profound implications of the conflict itself. If we allow our political discourse to devolve into viral sensations while the complexities of imperialism remain obscured, we undermine the potential for transformative change.

What if we took a stand against this trend? How can we ensure that our engagement with the political landscape is:

  • Informed
  • Nuanced
  • Directed towards justice

Instead of indulging in distractions provided by politically charged memes, our focus should shift towards fostering a collective consciousness that interrogates the mechanisms at play in our society—whether political, technological, or cultural. Imagine if we approached our political engagement as if we were navigating a vast ocean. Just as a sailor must be attuned to the currents and winds, we too must be aware of the underlying currents of information and influence that shape our discourse—only then can we steer toward a clearer horizon of justice and understanding.

Re-envisioning Our Political Discourse

In re-envisioning our political discourse, we must engage with it not just as spectators but as participants capable of shaping its trajectory. Just as the civil rights movement of the 1960s transformed American society by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, we too must ensure that the narratives we create and share reflect a commitment to justice rather than the commodification of absurdity. This requires a concerted effort to prioritize the voices of those who have long been sidelined in mainstream discourse.

Consider the discourse around AI; it should not serve merely as entertainment or a source of humor. Instead, it must be harnessed as a tool for awareness and action. By acknowledging the potential dangers of allowing absurdities to overshadow serious discussions—the way sensationalist media can eclipse critical issues like climate change or economic inequality—we cultivate a political environment that values depth and meaningful engagement. How can we ensure that our conversations lead to informed decision-making rather than distracting us from the pressing challenges we face?

The Role of Accountability in Political Engagement

Holding those responsible—whether politicians or tech corporations—accountable in this age of absurdity is vital. The AI-driven commodification of content can perpetuate imperialistic narratives, skewing the realities of marginalized communities under the guise of efficiency and progress (Floridi et al., 2018). Disinformation amplifies when algorithmic outputs overshadow nuanced human dialogue, further complicating our political engagement.

What if we established firmer accountability mechanisms that ensured transparency in AI usage in political engagement? Imagine a scenario akin to the early 20th century, when muckrakers unearthed corruption in politics and industry. Just as their investigative journalism brought injustices to light, a similar commitment to accountability in today’s digital landscape could dismantle the opacity surrounding AI technologies. We need to interrogate who controls these technologies and how their outputs can shape public perception and policy. Central to this inquiry is the realization that the solutions to our political absurdity will not emerge solely from technological advancements but from a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political implications of these technologies. Would we allow factories to operate without regulations on safety or pollution—why should we accept anonymity in the mechanisms shaping our political discourse?

The Interconnectedness of Technology, Culture, and Politics

As we explore the complexities of AI’s role in shaping political narratives, we must remain mindful of the interconnectedness of technology, culture, and politics. The ongoing absurdities fabricated by both AI and our political environment should compel us to take a step back and reevaluate our approach. We should strive for a future where technology is guided by principles that genuinely serve humanity, fostering discourse that elevates rather than dilutes the complexities of our shared political realities.

Consider the example of the printing press in the 15th century. Just as this revolutionary technology democratized access to information and empowered individuals to challenge the status quo, AI has the potential to reshape our political landscape. What if we envision a world where technology aids in empowering communities rather than perpetuating disenfranchisement? The absurdity we encounter daily could act as a powerful motivator for radical change, urging us to demand a political landscape that is equitable and just. Are we prepared to harness the capabilities of AI in a way that promotes inclusion and understanding, much like the printing press did for literacy, or will we allow it to sow further division in our society?

References

  • Benston, W., & Jameson, R. (1983). Cultural Commodification and Political Discourse. Journal of Political Culture.
  • Buckingham Shum, S., & Luckin, R. (2019). Artificial Intelligence in Education: The Future of Learning. Routledge.
  • Dwivedi, Y. K., et al. (2023). The Impact of AI on Political Discourse: Disinformation and Beyond. Journal of Information Technology.
  • Floridi, L., et al. (2018). AI and the Global Landscape: Ethical Implications of Information Technology. Oxford University Press.
  • Gillespie, T. (2024). The Politics of Platforms: Power and Discourse in the Age of AI. University of California Press.
  • Gümüşay, A., & Reinecke, K. (2021). Messaging Political Discourse in a Time of Crisis. International Journal of Political Communication.
← Prev Next →