In Gary Shteyngart’s “Vera, or Faith,” A Child Navigates Family, American Dystopia
KQED's Forum
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Childhood Fears and AI Realities
This chapter explores the speaker's childhood fascination with the Vietnam War and its cultural representations, particularly the film 'The Day After,' which instilled fears of nuclear holocaust. The conversation shifts to the contemporary anxieties faced by children, such as climate change and societal collapse, while highlighting the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. It reflects on how these themes resonate through personal narratives, literature, and the impact of technology on our lives, weaving together humor and tragedy in the face of societal challenges.
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