It’s been a year since we launched Matter of Faith at Reckon. It’s been quite a ride, and I’m glad y’all are still here with me. We’re only getting started in 2024, so y’all buckle up for another wild year of faith, sex and politics at Matter of Faith.
Today is Valentine’s Day. While I admit I’m not big on the “Hallmark Holidays,” I’ve got a few V-Day recs for y’all. As far as matters of faith, sex and politics: we’re talking about AI-generated child p*rn and some racist and offensive places that really need to be renamed ASAP.
Let’s get into it:
What you need to know about the ongoing fight to prevent AI-generated child p*rn
An October 2023 report from the UK-based watchdog, Internet Watch Foundation, exposes how artificial intelligence can be used for sexual abuse through the use of AI to create child sexual abuse imagery (AI CSAM). (Press Association via AP Images)Associated Press
Deepfake and artificial intelligence-generated pornography have dominated headlines involving everyone from Taylor Swift to middle school students in a small town in Alabama. However, the dark underbelly of this technological menace extends even further.
An October 2023 report from the UK-based watchdog, Internet Watch Foundation, exposes how artificial intelligence can be used for sexual abuse through the use of AI to create child sexual abuse imagery (AI CSAM).
“We’re not talking about the harm it might do,” said Dan Sexton, the watchdog group’s chief technology officer, told the Associated Press in October. “This is happening right now and it needs to be addressed right now.”
Read more about the ethics of AI CSAM
Beyond the Superbowl’s Chiefs: The 8 most offensive monikers still being used and why we need to change them ASAP
FILE – In this Jan. 19, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs fans arrive before the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs will prohibit the wearing of Native American headdresses, face paint and clothing at Arrowhead Stadium and are discussing the future of the iconic tomahawk chop as they address what many consider racist imagery associated with their franchise. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)AP Photo
This year’s Super Bowl LVIII isn’t just about the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s a moment to examine why, despite progress, the Chiefs – and other teams – continue using imagery and names considered offensive to many Native Americans.
The question of “why haven’t the Chiefs changed their name?” is just the tip of the iceberg. From sports teams to place names, outdated and harmful representations have begun raising these questions with renewed urgency, fueled by movements like the Lakota People’s Law renaming project and broader calls for social justice.
Read more about why place names matter
For further reading:
The weekend and early week has been packed with big news from Beyonce to Joel Osteen and another multi-billion in funding for war abroad. Here’s what has kept me glued to my phone:
Just a note:
Thank YOU for a great first year of Matter of Faith and for sharing this newsletter with the folks you care about.
If you have a story or a question, you can send an email to abeahm@reckonmedia.com or you can find me online on Instagram, Threads and X.
Stay curious 😉
– Anna
