The cultural references throughout this are fascinating. Frankenstein, Astro Boy, Anansi, Nüwa. Each one reveals completely different assumptions about what AI is supposed to be. The Anansi story is especially interesting. Knowledge distributed, not owned. No one holds all of it. I also recently read and restacked Carlo Iacono's essay on Western AI privilege as well, and I think your piece takes it further by showing that different cultures aren't just using AI differently; they're building on completely different values. Really enjoyed this read, Julia.
Thank you! If AI alignment is more about aligning with our own values, it will certainly look different across different cultures, which makes it even more important to hear people’s stories!
The cultural references throughout this are fascinating. Frankenstein, Astro Boy, Anansi, Nüwa. Each one reveals completely different assumptions about what AI is supposed to be. The Anansi story is especially interesting. Knowledge distributed, not owned. No one holds all of it. I also recently read and restacked Carlo Iacono's essay on Western AI privilege as well, and I think your piece takes it further by showing that different cultures aren't just using AI differently; they're building on completely different values. Really enjoyed this read, Julia.
Thank you! If AI alignment is more about aligning with our own values, it will certainly look different across different cultures, which makes it even more important to hear people’s stories!