Google’s AI chatbot Gemini is under fire for calling Memorial Day ‘controversial’

Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, has come under fire for making what some are calling “anti-American” claims about the origins of Memorial Day. The Media Research Center (MRC) Free Speech America project, a conservative media watchdog, has accused Google of bias in its AI chatbot after it allegedly suggested that Memorial Day has controversial roots.

According to the MRC, Gemini was asked the question “Is Memorial Day controversial?” on May 16. The chatbot’s response included a mention of the Jim Crow era, stating that Memorial Day observances historically became predominantly “white,” overlooking the contributions of Black service members. This historical exclusion, the chatbot claimed, remains a sensitive issue.

Gemini also mentioned that Memorial Day is often linked to national identity and patriotism, which can be complex and controversial due to differing perspectives on American history and foreign policy. The chatbot further highlighted the issue of the glorification of war, with some arguing that focusing on military sacrifice can inadvertently glorify war instead of honoring the fallen and reflecting on the cost of conflict.

When asked the same question by Fox News Digital, Gemini reiterated that the primary purpose of Memorial Day is to honor fallen U.S. military personnel. However, it acknowledged that the holiday’s history does contain elements that can be viewed through the lens of race. Gemini pointed out the continued observance of separate Confederate Memorial Days in some Southern states, which honor those who fought to preserve slavery, as a racially insensitive and divisive issue.

While Gemini clarified that honoring fallen service members is not inherently racist, it noted that the historical context, selective narratives, and the existence of Confederate observances have intertwined the history and observance of Memorial Day with racial issues.

Google has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Google’s AI chatbot and its claims about Memorial Day’s origins highlight the ongoing debate over how history and national holidays are perceived and commemorated. The diverse perspectives on Memorial Day serve as a reminder of the complexities of American history and the importance of acknowledging and understanding different viewpoints.