Media Matters President Angelo Carusone discusses their recent sparring with Elon Musk and his social media platform, X. Award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor talks about her transformational afrofuturism and the importance of inclusive visions of science fiction.
Elon Musk threatened to sue Media Matters, but no lawsuit has been filed yet.
Dr. Nnedi Okorafor emphasizes aligning human technology with nature in her writings.
Combining old and new knowledge can result in something greater, as seen in the astrolabe.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Threat of Lawsuit Against Media Matters
Elon Musk threatened to sue Media Matters after many companies stopped advertising on his platform due to anti-Semitic tweets he endorsed. However, as of now, no lawsuit has been filed.
The Intersection of Nature and Technology in Sci-Fi Writing
Dr. Nnedi Okorafor, an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, discusses her inspiration for African futurism and how she sees nature as the greatest technology. She emphasizes the need for human technology to align with nature and explores the idea of living buildings, homes, and ships in her writings.
The Astrolabe and the Coexistence of Ancient and Modern
Dr. Nnedi Okorafor shares her fascination with the astrolabe, an ancient navigational tool similar to a GPS, perfected by an Arab woman in ancient times. This discovery inspires her writing and highlights the importance of combining old and new knowledge to create something greater.
Distorted Algorithm and User Experience
The existence of a particular account on Twitter distorted the algorithm and negatively impacted the overall user experience for all users. This has raised concerns about the effects of individual accounts on the platform.
Using State Attorneys General to Squelch Speech
The involvement of state attorneys general in censoring or punishing certain reporting or activism on social media platforms is not a new phenomenon. Recent examples, such as the case involving one American news, highlight how state AGs have been leveraged to suppress speech and manipulate public discourse. This raises questions about the limits of free speech and the misuse of state power.
Media Matters President Angelo Carusone joins The New Abnormal to talk through his organization’s recent sparring with Elon Musk and his social media platform, X. Plus! A conversation with award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor about her transformational africanfuturism and the importance of inclusive visions of science fiction.