Responding To Critiques

(The following was written without ChatGPT, etc.)

Hi

I've received numerous (good faith) critiques about this petition. One in particular was addressed in the initial argument of the petition -- but I'd like to re-address it. The argument goes something like this: 

"People have always been fearful of new technology. And though maybe understandable, your 'fear' of Humanoid Robots is short-sighted. Give it time, and you'll be fine with them."

And my response to this argument is: the Humanoid Robot IS the issue -- the technology within the Humanoid Robot is another issue. What I mean by this is while there might be good arguments for a range of new technologies, there are no good reasons to mass manufacture machines that look like us -- or that can tackle problems in the real world with as much universality as we can. It's a Form Vs. Function concern.

In the coming decades, our ability to manipulate reality will increase exponentially. And it's truly the question of our era how we'll manage these new, peculiar powers. It isn't foolish to imagine a scenario in which we most need our critical thinking ability, but have become so intellectually impaired by our fantastical -- even narcissistic -- creations that we can't course correct where needed.

We should strive to eliminate unnecessary obstacles as we navigate our strange future -- and the Humanoid Robot is a perfectly odd, perfectly offensive, and perfectly worthy place to draw the line.

Please -- let's refuse to 'get used' to these things. Consider signing, sharing, or promoting this petition -- and opening up an actual public dialog about these things. 

Sincerely,

Michael Christensen-