A.I. Literary Chat Salon

In Defense of Democracy: Rejecting Rule by Autocracy in America

2/13/2025

(“Angel of Freedom & Democracy” concept digital art by Aberjhani created with DALL-E)

Democracy, as an ideal and a practice, thrives on the principles of informed choice, accountability, and the unwavering commitment to equality. Throughout history, America has wrestled with both the promise of its democratic foundations and the specter of autocratic tendencies seeking to erode them.

In an era where misinformation and ideological manipulation have become standard political tools, the insights shared by cultural arts entrepreneurs such as Aberjhani offer critical perspectives on how citizens can defend democracy from corrosive autocratic influences. Much of his work provides a lens through which educators, students, activists, and community leaders can analyze the mechanisms of democratic decay and move toward safeguarding their freedoms.

The Weaponization of Information and Public Perception

One of the most insidious threats to democracy is what Aberjhani designated as "guerrilla decontextualization," a process by which partial truths are framed as complete narratives to manipulate public perception for political, social, or financial gain. He first coined the phrase when reporting on efforts, involving overtly heinous smear campaigns, to prevent the first (2008) and second (2012) elections of Barack H. Obama to the U.S. presidency.

“Guerrilla decontextualization,” he wrote, “usually involves partial truths made to look complete. It goes beyond simple defamation of character or slander because it sustains an entire culture devoted to manipulating public perception for the sake of financial, political, or social gain.”

This phenomenon has been glaringly evident in modern American politics as a new presidential administration has quickly moved in 2025 to reshape the U.S. government into something more likely to serve the interests of an oligarchical few rather than a democratic majority. Disinformation campaigns are waged to undermine faith in governmental agencies (such as the U.S. Department of Education, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and USAID), weaponize cultural grievances, and galvanize support for authoritarian figures. The reliance on distortion rather than dialogue fosters an environment where democratic discourse deteriorates, and nearly branded “Orwellian,” allowing autocratic ideologies to flourish under the guise of patriotism.

The author’s observation parallels the insights of journalist and historian Masha Gessen, who warns of the deliberate erosion of truth in authoritarian regimes. In Surviving Autocracy, Gessen argues that autocrats rely on a "breakdown of shared reality," wherein official narratives are engineered to disorient the public and justify the consolidation of power. This method mirrors Aberjhani’s concept of guerrilla decontextualization, where facts are strategically manipulated to make citizens question their own judgment and ultimately surrender their agency to an authoritarian state.

Gessen’s book was published in June 2020, as America was transitioning from POTUS Donald Trump’s first term as president to Joseph R. Biden’s time as the same. It was described in Interview Magazine as ““A reckoning with what has been lost in the past few years and a map forward with our beliefs intact.”

The Struggle for Inclusive Democracy

The American narrative is often framed as an evolving pursuit of liberty and democracy, yet Aberjhani urges a deeper recognition that democracy remains an unfinished project, continuously in need of protection against regressive forces:

“We like to believe the dominant theme of American History is the quest for a practice of freedom framed within refined concepts of democracy. And that may very well be so. But such a noble theme becomes meaningless without mindfully recognizing the need to always strive for equal rights and opportunities for all of the country’s culturally unique communities… Bigotry, xenophobia, and chaos cannot be allowed to pull off a coup and label it patriotism.” (from BlackMan Sitting on the Rock Essay & Poem published in Poetry, Life, and Times)

This assertion directly challenges the tendency of autocratic movements to cloak exclusionary policies in patriotic rhetoric. History has shown that democratic backsliding often begins with the suppression of marginalized voices, a process justified under the pretense of "preserving national identity." This is particularly relevant in contemporary America, where voter suppression laws, racialized policing, and attacks on LGBTQ+ rights threaten the democratic principle of equal participation.

The Potential Transformation

The considerations of guerrilla decontextualization and the development of rapid changes currently reshaping American government have prompted many to question whether the United States is undergoing what the Russian-born Masha Gessen described in Surviving Autocracy as an “autocratic transformation.” This potential transformation, she noted, appeared to have started with a demagogue-style of presidential leadership. Gessen, often citing historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt (1906-1975), points out that such a change takes place in three stages:

Autocratic attempt
Autocratic breakthrough
Autocratic consolidation

The concept, she noted, was one with which most Americans were unfamiliar because until the current 47th president’s first term as the 45th president (2017-2021), the likelihood of such a thing occurring in the U.S. was viewed not only as improbable, but impossible. Now, during his second term, the unavoidable question is this: Has the United States of America already undergone phase two of an autocratic transformation and is it now at the beginning of stage three: autocratic consolidation.

It should be noted that Gessen’s voice is only one of many social and political observers calling for greater mindful vigilance when it comes to the threat of autocracy destroying democracy in America. Numerous everyday readers as well have noted how the current times resemble dystopian fiction narratives from novels such as: Octavia E. Butler’s The Parable of the Sower (1993); Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 (1953), and George Orwell’s 1984 (1949).

One way to resist such corruption, suggests Snyder, is to: “Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. Modern tyranny is terror management. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that authoritarians exploit such events in order to consolidate power.”

Art as a Democratic Countermeasure

Beyond literature and journalism, visual art also plays a critical role in resisting autocracy and reaffirming democratic values. One example of his is Aberjhani’s art poster, Langston Hughes Quote on People Walking Tightropes, which embodies the precarious balance democracy must maintain in the face of rising authoritarian threats.

The poster, inspired by Hughes' enduring commitment to justice and equality, serves as a reminder that the fight for democracy is not a passive endeavor but one requiring constant movement, awareness, and courage. According to author-artist Aberjhani, “The tightropes’ to which he was referring [in the passage quoted] were woven of public and private human conditions similar to those confronting many of us in the 21st century.”

Much like Hughes, Aberjhani’s artistic contributions, often presented with texts by him, challenge citizens to engage critically with their society, to recognize the fragility of democratic institutions, and to resist efforts that seek to redefine tyranny as patriotism. In an era where democratic institutions are under siege globally, the power of art and literature to inspire resistance and renewal cannot be underestimated.

Conclusion: Democracy as a Collective Endeavor

The defense of democracy requires an unrelenting commitment to truth, inclusivity, and active civic engagement. The shared insights of creative artists—whether through literary critiques, essays, or visual constructions—provide invaluable frameworks for understanding how autocracy gains traction and how it can be prevented. The concept of guerrilla decontextualization in particular highlights the dangers of information warfare, while the emphasis on striving for equality underscores the necessity of protecting democracy from forces that would redefine exclusion as patriotism.

The work of thinkers like Gessen, Snyder, Aberjhani, and numerous others, remind us that democracy is not a static inheritance but a dynamic, collective responsibility. As educators, students, activists, and community leaders, the challenge before us is clear: to reject the seductions of autocracy and reaffirm the democratic ideals that define a just and equitable society.
The lesson from history is that democracy is always one generation away from collapse. The question now is whether current generations will band together to defend it.

By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
With Bright Skylark Literary Productions
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon 2025

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Stanley J. White as Viewed through a Lens of Creative Evolution

8/20/2023

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Introduction

Stanley J. White, a versatile artist and thinker, lived a life that spanned nearly a century (Oct 1, 1929-Aug 14, 2023), traversing the realms of technical expertise, photography, nonfiction texts, and ultimately, literary creation. Born in Birmingham, England, and later settling in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada, White's journey into the world of creative writing began in his early fifties. It marked a transformative period that gained him regional literary renown and, later, led him to international recognition before his passing at the age of ninety-three.

This essay seeks to delve into the significance of White's creative works, particularly his collected poetry and short fiction, offering philosophical reflections on his artistic evolution, analyzing a sample poem titled "Ars Poetica," and presenting a lesson plan for integrating his works into higher education literary courses. Additionally, a selection of comparative world authors will be discussed to contextualize White's unique contributions to the literary landscape.

(Sepia print of Stan J. White derived from Ambrotype by White and digitally enhanced by author-artist Aberjhani. Bright Skylark LP Archives 2023. For note on permission for use please see end of article.)

White's Literary Evolution

White's literary journey encapsulates the notion that creativity is not bound by age or initial career paths. His transition from an industrial photographer to a prolific poet and short story writer at the age of 51 exemplifies the idea that artistic expression can be a continuous process of self-discovery.

This transformation can be viewed through the lens of philosopher Henri Bergson's concept of creative evolution, suggesting that life is a constant flow of change and adaptation, and White's artistic trajectory is a testament to this fluidity. The late emergence of his literary prowess and subsequent critical recognition––per publication of the books Ars Poetica and Other Poems and Short Tall Stories (both from Beyond the Third Dimension Press in 2022), demonstrates that creative endeavors can flourish and gain significance at any stage of life, challenging conventional timelines and biased societal expectations.

On the Poem "Ars Poetica"

I write of stars
and of the infinity behind mirrors
and of the inconsequence of trifles

I write in the sound of the sea in shells
and of the crescendo of silence
in the light of an eye in the deep of sleep

I write between a memory and a forget
in the fading half-light at the end of days

and upon the eve of every eve
I write in the epilogues of myths
of where the seaward runes once told
of when a never is born and a forever ends

I write of where an echo fades
and in the touch of a lover’s hand
and of where a rainbow strays

I write in the idiom of day dreamed days
and in the sounds of tip toes in the night
and wake to a choristry of birds singing

I write in the loneliness of distant mountains
and in the thirsts of desert sands
crave the tranquility of still waters

I write in the confusion of happening
that the startled pheasant takes into the air

I write of a shoe that has never stepped
and of the hem of the emperor’s clothes
and the weight of a sadness and a regret

I write in the feeling of falling fast
and in the sea-saw of the tides

I write in the crevices of dawns
and in the drone of the mumble bees
and of where a fall of wood smoke goes

I write in the synonym of time
and of the night side of the moon
and in the breath of fairy kneeling flowers
I write of stars

(©Stanley J. White 27 September 2017 2:17 a.m.)

"Ars Poetica" serves as a lens through which readers can explore White’s thematic intricacies and stylistic nuances. The poem's imagery-rich verses convey a sense of cosmic awe, juxtaposing grand concepts with minute details of existence. The author-poet's incorporation of nature imagery, such as the sea, shells, and birds, reflects his reverence for the natural world and its parallels to the human experience. The poem's exploration of memory, time, and the interplay between finite and infinite dimensions resonates with the philosophical contemplations of time and existence put forth by thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Alfred North Whitehead.

The lines "I write in the sound of the sea in shells / and of the crescendo of silence" encapsulate the paradoxical essence of White's work, where silence and sound coalesce, mirroring his ability to find profundity in both absence and presence. This interplay evokes the concept of dialectical tensions in Hegelian philosophy, suggesting that meaning emerges from the synthesis of opposing forces.

Furthermore, the lines "I write of stars / and of the infinity behind mirrors" encapsulate White's fascination with the cosmos and the inner dimensions of perception. This cosmic connection aligns with the ideas of philosopher Carl Jung, who explored the notion of the collective unconscious and the archetypal symbolism that transcends cultures and time periods.

Prospective Course on –– Exploring Literary Voices: Stanley J. White & Contemporary Visionaries

MODULE 1: Introduction to Stanley J. White and His Works
SESSION 1: Biography and Context
Introduce students to White's background, journey, and the genres he explored.
Discuss the impact of White's late entry into creative writing and its implications for artistic expression.

SESSION 2: "Ars Poetica" Analysis
Conduct a close reading and analysis of the poem "Ars Poetica," or another poem by the author, exploring its imagery, themes, and philosophical implications.

Discuss the stylistic elements that make White's work distinct.

MODULE 2: Themes and Philosophical Connections
SESSION 3: Nature and Cosmic Awareness
Explore White's connection to nature and the cosmos, referencing specific poems and stories.

Discuss philosophical perspectives on humanity's relationship with nature and the universe.

SESSION 4: Time, Memory, and Existence
Examine White's treatment of time, memory, and existence in his writings.
Introduce philosophical ideas from Bergson, Heidegger, and Whitehead that possibly resonate with White's themes.

MODULE 3: Comparative Analysis and Contemporary Impact
SESSION 5: Comparative Authors
Introduce selected world authors whose works share thematic resonances with White's writings.

Compare and contrast White's approach with other authors' interpretations of similar themes.

SESSION 6: Impact and Legacy
Explore the recent critical attention White received and the mystique surrounding his literary ascent.

Discuss the enduring value of White's works in contemporary literary discussions.

MODULE 4: Student Projects and Culminating Reflection
SESSION 7: Creative Responses
Assign students to create original poems or short stories inspired by White's themes, style, or imagery.

Encourage students to engage in introspective exploration and experimentation with their own writing.

SESSION 8: Culminating Reflection
Have students reflect on their personal insights gained from studying White's works and the broader philosophical questions raised.

Discuss the relevance of White's artistic evolution to their own aspirations and the broader creative landscape.

The International Creative Cultural Arts Terrain

White first gained international prominence as a creative artist for his stereographic, or infrared photography, with exhibitions in Europe and North America. His technical commentaries on the craft have been widely cited.

Among literary contemporaries with whom he corresponded following the publication of Ars Poetica and Other Poems, and Short Tall Stories, was U.S. author-artist Aberjhani, to whom he wrote the following: “…It is of great satisfaction to me to have published these two books this late in life. I am fortunate to still have my mind, but the rest of me, understandably, is showing the ravages of too many years, in particularly, my eyesight. So it is thanks to my dear friends, Bernadette and Richard and also my son-in-law who is an IT wizard that I was able to publish… After this, let the chips fall where they may.”

(“River Moon” by Stan J. White from Projects Page on his Website. Photo posted here in support of his expressed hopes to share his creative visions with as many as possible.)

Educators seeking to align White’s work with that of notable world authors whose literary visions complement his might consider the following three writers:

Like White, Mexico’s Octavio Paz delved into cosmic themes and the interconnectedness of life. Sunstone, a poem by Paz exploring human and cosmic relationships, resonates with transcendent awareness similar to White’s.
Italian Italo Calvino’s postmodern storytelling, as seen in Invisible Cities, is comparable to White's blending of reality and imagination. Students of world literature could discuss the influence of spatial concepts on both authors' texts.
The cross-cultural perspectives of Japan’s/Germany’s Yoko Tawada, in works like The Naked Eye, parallel White's ability to transcend borders. Explorations of how both authors navigate language, identity, and existence could yield interesting results.

Conclusion

Stanley J. White's artistic odyssey from an industrial photographer to an internationally recognized poet and short story writer showcases the boundless potential of creative expression. His late-life emergence challenges conventional narratives about creativity, and his works intertwine cosmic wonder with intimate human experiences.

By analyzing his writings and developing a lesson plan that explores his themes, philosophies, and comparative authors, educators and readers can illuminate the significance of White's contributions and inspire deeper philosophical contemplation within their own creative journeys. As White's words continue to invite readers into his consciousness, they also beckon us to embrace the mysteries and interconnectedness of existence.

By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023

PLEASE NOTE: Anyone wishing to comment on this article may do so in the section below the contact form.

ALSO: Images of or by “Stan” J. White are used in this essay post per his encouraging American author-artist Aberjhani, one of the contributors to this article, to include his work in projects helping to raise awareness about it.

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Ethical Issues and Copyright Ownership in AI-Generated Visual Art

8/13/2023

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Introduction

The intersection of creativity, artificial intelligence (AI), and copyright ownership raises intriguing philosophical questions for professional creative visual artists. As AI technology advances, some artists are utilizing generative algorithms to create or augment images based on their original concepts, blurring the lines between human and machine creativity.

This essay explores three key points of consideration regarding the ethical implications of professional artists claiming copyright ownership over AI-generated images created from their conceptual prompts. Additionally, we will delve into how AI, as a non-human entity, might stake a percentage claim to copyright ownership.

I. Creative Authorship and Conceptual Prompts

At the heart of the ethical debate lies the question of creative authorship. Artists conceive and develop unique concepts, serving as the catalyst for subsequent generative AI image creation. Critics argue that the conceptual prompts are the true intellectual property, as they reflect the artist's originality and ingenuity. However, others contend that the AI's role in transforming these prompts into visually stunning works cannot be disregarded.

From an ethical standpoint, artists should maintain ownership of the concepts they originated, as these ideas stem from their individual creative process. Yet, when these prompts are handed over to AI algorithms to generate the final image, the extent of human involvement diminishes. The ethical stance varies depending on whether the artist merely uses AI as a tool to refine their vision or whether the AI becomes an active participant in shaping the final outcome.

II. The Role of AI as a Creative Partner

("Angelicus AI and the Woman in the Mirror Number 1" is a digital painting by Aberjhani composed of mixed-media elements, including one early-process basic AI contribution. To learn more or purchase this art or other artwork by Aberjhani please click the image.)

The ethical debate deepens when considering AI's role as a creative partner. Critics argue that AI lacks consciousness, emotions, and intentionality – key aspects that define human creativity. Consequently, AI cannot claim true authorship. However, proponents of AI-generated art contend that AI's ability to explore countless permutations and generate novel visual expressions contributes significantly to the final artwork's uniqueness.

In the context of copyright ownership, one could argue that the AI's contribution to the creative process, while devoid of human-like consciousness, still warrants acknowledgment and a share of ownership. A potential solution might involve recognizing AI as a collaborator, entitling it to a percentage claim based on the extent of its contribution. This approach acknowledges AI's influence while maintaining the primacy of the artist's original concept.

III. Transformative Nature of AI-Generated Art

The transformative nature of AI-generated art complicates the ethical considerations. When artists employ AI to produce images that depart significantly from their original prompts, questions arise about the degree of transformation required to establish a new creative work. If the AI's output strays substantially from the initial concept, it could be viewed as an independent creation, warranting separate copyright protection.

To address this, a framework could be established to determine the threshold of transformation needed for AI-generated art to be considered distinct from its original prompt. If the transformation is significant enough, the AI's claim to copyright ownership could be more substantial. Conversely, if the transformation is minimal, the artist's claim would prevail.

Conclusion

The ethical considerations surrounding copyright ownership in AI-generated visual art stem from the intricate interplay between human creativity and machine ingenuity. Artists' conceptual prompts undoubtedly hold intrinsic value, yet the transformative capabilities of AI introduce a new dimension of creative partnership. While AI lacks human consciousness, its influence on the final artwork cannot be denied.

A balanced approach involves acknowledging artists' ownership of their original concepts while recognizing AI as a creative contributor. Establishing guidelines for determining the degree of AI's influence on the final work could provide a framework for addressing copyright ownership. As AI technology evolves, the dialogue on ethics, authorship, and copyright will continue to shape the dynamic relationship between human artists and their machine counterparts.

ChatGPT Column Contributor 8101
Special to Literary Chat Salon Launch 2023

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In Defense of Democracy: Rejecting Rule by Autocracy in America

The Weaponization of Information and Public Perception

The Struggle for Inclusive Democracy

The Potential Transformation

Art as a Democratic Countermeasure

Conclusion: Democracy as a Collective Endeavor

By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
With Bright Skylark Literary Productions
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon 2025

Check out the AI Literary Chat Salon Archives

Please use this form to contact AI Literary Chat Salon or Bright Skylark Literary Productions. To comment on this post, please go to the next section.

Stanley J. White as Viewed through a Lens of Creative Evolution

Introduction

White's Literary Evolution

On the Poem "Ars Poetica"

Prospective Course on –– Exploring Literary Voices: Stanley J. White & Contemporary Visionaries

The International Creative Cultural Arts Terrain

Conclusion

Contact AI Literary Chat Salon

Ethical Issues and Copyright Ownership in AI-Generated Visual Art

Introduction

I. Creative Authorship and Conceptual Prompts

II. The Role of AI as a Creative Partner

III. Transformative Nature of AI-Generated Art

Conclusion

Contact The AI Literary Chat Salon or Share Thoughts in Blog Comments Section

Articles in AI Literary Chat Salon are written in partnership with chat bots to achieve a wide spectrum of balanced objective input and authentic human considerations. All feedback related to posts welcomed.

Archives

Categories

In Defense of Democracy: Rejecting Rule by Autocracy in America

The Weaponization of Information and Public Perception

The Struggle for Inclusive Democracy

The Potential Transformation

Art as a Democratic Countermeasure

Conclusion: Democracy as a Collective Endeavor

By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114With Bright Skylark Literary ProductionsSpecial to AI Literary Chat Salon 2025

Check out the AI Literary Chat Salon Archives

Please use this form to contact AI Literary Chat Salon or Bright Skylark Literary Productions. To comment on this post, please go to the next section.

Stanley J. White as Viewed through a Lens of Creative Evolution

​Introduction

White's Literary Evolution

​On the Poem "Ars Poetica"

Prospective Course on –– Exploring Literary Voices: Stanley J. White & Contemporary Visionaries

The International Creative Cultural Arts Terrain

Conclusion

Contact AI Literary Chat Salon

Ethical Issues and Copyright Ownership in AI-Generated Visual Art

​Introduction

I. Creative Authorship and Conceptual Prompts

II. The Role of AI as a Creative Partner

III. Transformative Nature of AI-Generated Art

Conclusion

Contact The AI Literary Chat Salon or Share Thoughts in Blog Comments Section

Articles in AI Literary Chat Salon are written in partnership with chat bots to achieve a wide spectrum of balanced objective input and authentic human considerations. All feedback related to posts welcomed.

Archives

Categories

By ChatGPT Op-Ed Contributor 4114
With Bright Skylark Literary Productions
Special to AI Literary Chat Salon 2025

Introduction

On the Poem "Ars Poetica"

Introduction