Flaminky

On May 1, 1947, a young woman named Evelyn McHale leapt to her death from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building. Moments later, photography student Robert Wiles captured an eerily serene image of her body resting on the crumpled roof of a limousine.

The photo, later dubbed “The Most Beautiful Suicide,” became one of the most haunting and iconic images of the 20th century—a symbol of tragedy, beauty, and the eerie stillness of death.

But what many don’t realise is how Evelyn McHale’s suicide has influenced pop culture, art, and even music decades later.

The Power of the Image

The photograph of McHale’s lifeless body is unlike any other. Instead of appearing mangled or gruesome, she looks peaceful, as if she is merely sleeping. Her crossed ankles, white-gloved hands, and gently draped skirt make the scene disturbingly elegant.

This contradiction—between the violence of her death and the beauty of the image—is what has made it so compelling to artists, musicians, and filmmakers.

How Evelyn McHale Inspired Pop Culture

🎨 Art & Photography
The image has been recreated, reinterpreted, and referenced in countless ways over the years:

• Andy Warhol’s “Suicide (Fallen Body)” (1962) – Warhol, known for his fascination with death and celebrity, used the McHale photo in one of his famous silkscreen pieces, making her a part of pop art history.
• Surrealist and modern artists continue to be inspired by the juxtaposition of her elegant pose and the destruction around her.

🎬 Film & Media
The image has influenced cinematography and storytelling, particularly in how suicide and tragedy are portrayed visually.

• The film “The Eye of the Beholder” (1999) includes a direct recreation of McHale’s suicide.
• In TV shows and psychological thrillers, the concept of tragic beauty and self-destruction has been a recurring theme, often echoing McHale’s aesthetic.

🎵 Music & Album Covers

• David Bowie’s “Jump They Say” (1993) music video was heavily inspired by McHale’s story, exploring themes of mental illness and societal pressures.
• The Smiths, Joy Division, and other post-punk bands have drawn from the eerie beauty of her death in their melancholic aesthetics and album art.

🖋️ Literature & Poetry

• Writers and poets have used McHale’s suicide as a metaphor for the fragility of life, depression, and the illusion of glamour in death.
• The idea of “a beautiful exit” has been explored in numerous works, romanticising self-destruction while critiquing society’s obsession with it.

The Dark Side: The Romanticisation of Suicide

One of the biggest controversies surrounding the image of Evelyn McHale is how it has been romanticised.

• The media often glorifies tragic figures, especially women who die young and beautiful.
• The “tragic beauty” trope has been harmful, making self-destruction seem poetic rather than tragic.
• McHale’s photo has unintentionally contributed to this, becoming an eerie symbol of a hauntingly graceful death.

However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. Behind the striking image was a real person—a 23-year-old woman struggling with depression.

Final Thoughts: A Lasting Legacy

Evelyn McHale didn’t live to see the impact of her final moment, but her image has become a permanent part of pop culture. Whether as a tragic icon or a cautionary tale, her story continues to be referenced in art, music, literature, and discussions around mental health.

The question remains: Are we honouring her memory, or are we continuing to glamorise tragedy?

“Long Live the King”: Trump’s Propaganda Machine and the Future of America

The White House recently posted an image of Donald Trump with the caption “Long live the king”, sparking immediate backlash and conspiracy theories about the state of American democracy.

Was this just another case of online trolling, or is it a calculated propaganda move to normalise the idea of Trump as something beyond a president—a monarch, a ruler, a king?

And more importantly—why does this keep happening?

Trump’s Obsession with Power

This isn’t the first time Trump has referred to himself in monarchical terms.

• In 2019, he retweeted an image of himself as a king, with his face imposed on the Game of Thrones “Sanctions Are Coming” poster.
• In 2020, he joked about serving more than two terms, despite presidential term limits.
• His supporters have called him the “chosen one”, a messiah-like figure destined to save America.

This latest “Long live the king” post is just another step in the slow creep of authoritarian-style propaganda.

Propaganda or “Just a Joke”?

The White House quickly deleted the post after the backlash, but by then, the damage had already been done.

The thing about propaganda is—it doesn’t have to be believable. It just has to be loud.

• The more outrageous something is, the more people talk about it.
• The more people defend or criticise it, the more it cements the idea into public consciousness.
• Even if it’s dismissed as a joke, it still works as a psychological tool to normalise the idea of Trump as a ruler rather than an elected leader.

It’s a classic authoritarian move: say something shocking, backtrack, and let the idea take root anyway.

The Future of American Propaganda

The US has long been seen as the land of free speech and democracy, but this kind of political messaging raises concerns about whether America is moving towards a state-controlled narrative—something seen in countries like Russia, North Korea, and China.

• The Great Distraction – The more outrageous headlines there are, the less focus there is on real political issues.
• Cult of Personality – Framing Trump as a “king” creates a leader-worship dynamic, where laws and democracy become secondary to the individual in power.
• Algorithm Manipulation – The post was deleted, but the debate continues across social media, spreading further than if it had simply been left up.

In Russia, Putin’s face is everywhere—on posters, T-shirts, even religious paintings. In North Korea, Kim Jong-un is literally seen as a god. Is America now heading in the same direction?

Is This Just Feeding the Fire?

One of the most dangerous aspects of modern propaganda is that it thrives on controversy. The more people talk about it, dissect it, and react to it, the more power it holds.

• The post was deleted—but it had already done its job.
• People who didn’t see it firsthand are now reading about it everywhere.
• Trump’s base, instead of being outraged, is more convinced than ever that he is “their king.”

Every time a political stunt like this happens, the bigger question isn’t just why—but what is it distracting from?

Final Thoughts: America’s Political Future

Is America shifting away from democracy into something else?

The “Long Live the King” post is just another piece of the puzzle in a larger strategy of media manipulation, cult-like leadership, and growing political polarisation.

The real question is—is thais the America people actually want?

Deepseek vs ChatGPT: The Battle for AI Supremacy

For years, ChatGPT has been the undisputed king of AI chatbots, powering everything from customer service to creative writing. But now, a new challenger has entered the ring—Deepseek, China’s answer to OpenAI’s dominance.

As AI technology rapidly evolves, the competition between Deepseek and ChatGPT is shaping up to be one of the biggest rivalries in tech history. But which one is better? And what does this mean for the future of AI and global geopolitics?

Let’s break it down.

What is Deepseek?

Deepseek is a large language model (LLM) developed in China, designed to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While China has produced AI models before, Deepseek is getting global attention for its impressive capabilities and the fact that it could challenge Western AI dominance.

Some key features of Deepseek:

Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) – Comparable to, or even better than, ChatGPT in some tests.
Stronger Chinese-language understanding – Making it a powerful tool for the Asian market.
Lower costs – AI is expensive to run, but Deepseek is reportedly more efficient.
Government-backed AI strategy – Unlike OpenAI, which operates as a private entity, Deepseek is part of China’s push for global AI leadership.

Deepseek vs ChatGPT: Key Comparisons

1. Accuracy & Intelligence

ChatGPT has been trained on massive amounts of data from Western sources, making it highly accurate in English-language responses. Deepseek, on the other hand, has been trained with a stronger focus on Chinese and Asian languages, making it more useful in those markets.

ChatGPT Wins in: Western-language accuracy, broader knowledge base.
Deepseek Wins in: Chinese-language processing, efficiency.

2. Availability & Accessibility

ChatGPT is widely available in most countries, especially in the U.S. and Europe. However, OpenAI’s services are restricted in China. Deepseek, meanwhile, is designed for China and Asia, but may face limitations in the West due to government restrictions.

ChatGPT Wins in: Global availability.
Deepseek Wins in: Accessibility in China and Asia.

3. Cost & Efficiency

Running AI models is expensive, and OpenAI has been criticised for high pricing. Deepseek, reportedly, is more cost-effective—making it a cheaper alternative for businesses.

Deepseek Wins in: Affordability and efficiency.

4. Ethical & Political Considerations

ChatGPT is subject to Western regulations and ethical concerns, including censorship and content moderation policies. Deepseek is backed by China’s government, which raises concerns about state control and propaganda.

ChatGPT Wins in: Transparency and ethical AI development.
Deepseek Wins in: Alignment with China’s AI strategy, meaning stronger government backing.

What This Means for the Future of AI

The rivalry between Deepseek and ChatGPT isn’t just about technology—it’s also about global power. The U.S. and China are locked in an AI arms race, and AI models like these are at the centre of the battle.

Here’s what could happen next:

A split AI world – Western countries might use ChatGPT, while China and its allies prefer Deepseek.
Market disruption – If Deepseek is cheaper and better, businesses may switch from OpenAI.
Big tech investments – Microsoft, Google, and Meta will double down on AI development to stay ahead.
More government regulations – The U.S. may restrict access to Chinese AI, just like it did with Huawei and TikTok.

Final Verdict: Which One is Better?

If you’re in the West and need a powerful AI assistant for English and global knowledge, ChatGPT is still the best choice.

If you’re in China or Asia, Deepseek could be the future, with better localised AI and government support.

Ultimately, this battle is only just beginning—and the AI landscape is set to change faster than ever before.

Did Deepseek Just Crash ChatGPT? The Chinese AI Shake-Up That Hit the Stock Market

The world of artificial intelligence has been dominated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT for the last few years, but things just took a dramatic turn. The release of Deepseek, a powerful new Chinese AI model, has sent shockwaves through the AI industry, even causing a dip in the stock market for companies heavily invested in OpenAI and Western AI firms.

Is this the beginning of a new AI power shift? Could China’s Deepseek dethrone ChatGPT as the leading AI model? And what does this mean for investors, tech companies, and global AI dominance?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Deepseek & Why Is It a Threat to ChatGPT?

Deepseek is China’s latest large language model (LLM), developed to compete directly with ChatGPT. While Chinese tech giants like Baidu (Ernie Bot) and Alibaba (Tongyi Qianwen) have been working on AI, Deepseek has gained serious attention for several key reasons:

Comparable or superior performance – Early reports suggest Deepseek’s capabilities rival or even surpass ChatGPT in some areas, including Chinese-language comprehension, real-time reasoning, and cost-efficiency.

China’s AI funding power – The Chinese government and tech firms have poured billions into AI development, allowing them to rapidly catch up with Western AI models.

A shift in AI leadership? – Many experts believe China could surpass the U.S. in AI development within the next few years, and Deepseek might be the first major step in that direction.

With Deepseek’s launch, Western AI dominance is being challenged for the first time, and the markets have taken notice.

How Did the Stock Market React?

The impact of Deepseek’s release wasn’t just theoretical—it hit the stock market hard. Major tech stocks that have been riding the AI wave saw sudden dips:

Microsoft (MSFT) – Down after concerns that its $10B+ investment in OpenAI could be threatened by Chinese competitors.

Nvidia (NVDA) – Took a hit due to potential reduced demand for AI chips from Western firms, as China develops its own AI chips to power Deepseek.

OpenAI-affiliated companies – Startups and enterprises building on OpenAI’s tech saw investor anxiety over whether Deepseek’s AI models would undercut their market share.

Big Tech in general – Google, Meta, and Amazon all felt the pressure, as investors re-evaluated Western AI dominance.

This wasn’t a full-blown crash, but it was a clear signal that AI competition is heating up—and the markets are now taking China’s AI ambitions very seriously.

What Does This Mean for the Future of AI?

1. The AI Arms Race Just Got Real

For the last few years, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have been leading the AI revolution. But Deepseek’s release proves that China is not just catching up—they’re ready to compete head-on.

This could mean:
Faster AI advancements as both the U.S. and China push to outdo each other.
Lower AI costs, as competition forces companies to offer better models at cheaper rates.
More innovation, as startups and enterprises gain access to alternative AI models beyond OpenAI and Google.

2. Could ChatGPT Lose Its Crown?

ChatGPT has been the undisputed king of AI chatbots, but Deepseek’s entry raises questions:

Will OpenAI be able to maintain its dominance?
Could businesses switch to Deepseek if it’s cheaper and better?
Will Microsoft & OpenAI respond with even stronger AI models?

While ChatGPT still has a massive lead in brand recognition and adoption, Deepseek could chip away at its market share, especially in Asia.

3. Geopolitics Will Shape the Future of AI

AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about global power. The U.S. has been trying to limit China’s AI growth through sanctions and restrictions on AI chips, but Deepseek shows that China isn’t slowing down.

We could see:
More AI regulation as governments try to control AI’s influence.
Tech cold war intensifies, with the U.S. and China competing for AI dominance.
New AI alliances, with different regions aligning with either Western AI (OpenAI, Google) or Chinese AI (Deepseek, Baidu, Alibaba).

Final Thoughts: The Beginning of a Global AI Battle?

Deepseek’s launch isn’t just another AI release—it’s a sign that China is ready to challenge OpenAI, Microsoft, and the West in the AI race. With stock market fluctuations, investor panic, and rising competition, this could be the beginning of a global AI showdown.

The question is: Can ChatGPT stay on top, or is Deepseek about to change the game?

Is American Media Being Censored in Europe? Are We Witnessing the Birth of a U.S. ‘Great Firewall’?

For decades, the United States has championed itself as the global leader of free speech and democracy. However, recent events have led to a growing concern—is American media being censored in Europe? And beyond that, is the U.S. slowly closing itself off from the rest of the world in a way that mirrors China’s ‘Great Firewall’ or Russia’s state-controlled media?

With rising tensions between the U.S., Europe, and China, as well as increased government control over digital platforms, many are questioning whether America’s future might look less like the land of the free and more like an isolated propaganda machine.

Let’s dive into the facts.

American Media & Censorship in Europe: What’s Happening?

The idea that American media is being censored or restricted in Europe isn’t just speculation—it’s already happening in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

1. European Crackdowns on U.S. Tech Giants

The EU has been leading the charge in restricting and regulating American tech companies like Meta (Facebook), Google, and X (Twitter). The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have forced these companies to alter their content policies in Europe, leading to:

Censorship of certain American political content under stricter European hate speech laws.
Restrictions on AI-generated content coming from U.S. platforms.
Fines and penalties for misinformation that wouldn’t necessarily be censored in America itself.

2. The TikTok & China Controversy: A Test Run for American Censorship?

While America claims to be concerned about TikTok’s Chinese ties, the way they are handling it mirrors censorship tactics seen in authoritarian regimes:

• Government-led pressure to ban or control the platform (like China’s internet restrictions).
• Forcing ByteDance to sell to an American company (a move that resembles nationalisation policies in Russia).
• Algorithm manipulation concerns (similar to propaganda concerns with state-controlled media).

If the U.S. can ban a global platform like TikTok for “security reasons”, what’s stopping them from doing the same to European media outlets or social platforms in the future?

3. U.S. Media No Longer as Accessible in Europe

Several major American news websites and services have already limited access in Europe due to strict data protection laws. This includes:

The Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune blocking access in some European countries.
Certain U.S. streaming platforms limiting content due to licensing restrictions or political concerns.
Social media platforms tweaking algorithms to suppress content that might be legal in the U.S. but not in the EU.

While these restrictions are often attributed to corporate decisions or legal compliance, they also raise the question—is the world starting to separate itself from U.S. media?

Is America Becoming More Like China, Russia, or North Korea?

The fear of America closing itself off isn’t just about censorship abroad—it’s also about what’s happening inside the country. There are some worrying signs that the U.S. is moving towards a controlled media environment, much like authoritarian regimes.

1. The Rise of Government-Controlled Narratives

Much like Russia’s state-run media or China’s propaganda networks, the U.S. has seen:

• Increased pressure on social media companies to regulate speech.
• Government-backed fact-checking initiatives that determine what information is “true” or “misinformation.”
• Censorship of independent journalists and alternative media under the guise of “protecting democracy.”

This mirrors tactics used by authoritarian regimes, where the government has the power to control narratives and dictate what information people see.

2. The “Great Firewall of America” – Is It Coming?

China’s Great Firewall is infamous for blocking foreign websites, controlling internet traffic, and monitoring online activity. Could the U.S. be heading in the same direction?

Some warning signs include:

Restrictions on foreign-owned apps like TikTok – What stops the U.S. from eventually banning other platforms not under American control?
Pushes for “national security” internet laws – There are increasing calls for America to regulate online content under cybersecurity laws, which could lead to state-controlled internet policies.
Weaponisation of Big Tech – Google, Meta, and X have been accused of suppressing certain viewpoints, especially during election seasons. If the government strengthens its influence over these platforms, it could lead to a fully controlled information ecosystem.

3. Could America Cut Off Its Citizens from Global News?

North Korea and Russia control what their citizens can access online, restricting them from outside perspectives. While America hasn’t fully reached that level, some experts warn that it could be moving in that direction.

• Increasing scrutiny of foreign news sources (such as Russian, Chinese, or even some European outlets).
• Banning or limiting access to certain international platforms.
• Demonisation of alternative viewpoints as “foreign disinformation.”

If this trend continues, Americans could be left with a media ecosystem that only reflects the government’s approved narratives—much like Russia and North Korea.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Media & Free Speech?

If the U.S. continues down this path, we could see:

A split internet – Just like China has its own internet, the U.S. might develop its own restricted version of the web, separate from Europe and the rest of the world.

The end of the free flow of information – If only “approved” news and platforms are allowed, America will look more like a propaganda state than a democracy.

A world where media is controlled by governments – Whether it’s the U.S., China, or Russia, freedom of information is under attack globally—and ordinary citizens will be the ones who suffer.

Final Thoughts: Is the West Turning Into What It Fears?

For years, the U.S. has criticised China and Russia for controlling their media and restricting free speech. But now, the question must be asked—is America heading in the same direction?

With increasing government intervention in social media, rising censorship in Europe, and growing restrictions on international platforms, the U.S. could be on its way to creating its own “Great Firewall”—one that keeps its citizens inside an information bubble while cutting them off from the rest of the world.

The question is: Will people wake up before it’s too late?

It’s been nearly a decade since the Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed the dark side of social media, data harvesting, and political manipulation. The scandal, which involved Facebook misusing user data to influence elections, was a wake-up call for the world. But now, in 2025, a new controversy is emerging—one that might be even bigger.

With the US government cracking down on TikTok, citing concerns over data privacy, election interference, and Chinese influence, the question arises: Are we on the verge of another Cambridge Analytica moment? And is TikTok the next major player in the data war?

The Cambridge Analytica Scandal: A Quick Recap

Before diving into TikTok’s situation, let’s rewind to the 2018 Facebook-Cambridge Analytica controversy.

• What happened? Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm, harvested data from 87 million Facebook users without consent.
• How? A personality quiz app tricked users into giving access to their data—and Facebook’s loose security policies at the time allowed data collection on users’ friends as well.
• Why does it matter? The data was used to create hyper-targeted political ads, which allegedly influenced major elections, including Brexit and the 2016 US Presidential Election.

This scandal exposed how big tech, politics, and data privacy intertwine in ways that most users don’t even realise. Now, fast forward to today, and TikTok is facing similar accusations—but this time, the stakes might be even higher.

TikTok and the American Data War

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has exploded in popularity, especially among young Americans. With over 150 million US users, it holds massive amounts of personal data—including location, search history, and even biometric data.

The US government has repeatedly accused TikTok of:

1. Data harvesting – Collecting excessive amounts of user data that could be accessed by the Chinese government.
2. Election interference – Potentially influencing public opinion through its algorithm, similar to what Cambridge Analytica did.
3. Surveillance concerns – The belief that China could use TikTok to spy on American citizens.

These claims have led to calls for a TikTok ban, multiple government investigations, and even attempts to force ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations.

But is TikTok really the next Cambridge Analytica? Or is this all just political fear-mongering?

The Similarities: Why TikTok Could Be the Next Cambridge Analytica

There are clear parallels between Facebook’s 2018 scandal and TikTok’s current situation:

1. Massive Data Collection

Like Facebook back in the day, TikTok collects and stores a huge amount of user data—often more than users realise. This includes:
Facial recognition data (via filters and effects)
Keystroke patterns (which can track typing habits)
Location tracking (even when the app isn’t open)
Browsing history and personal interests

This level of data tracking raises concerns about how the information is being used—and who has access to it.

2. Algorithmic Manipulation

One of the biggest revelations from Cambridge Analytica was that social media platforms could be used to manipulate public opinion through targeted content.

TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) algorithm is one of the most powerful and mysterious in the world—it decides what users see, how trends spread, and even which political messages gain traction.

• Could TikTok subtly push certain political narratives?
• Could foreign governments use it to amplify misinformation?
• Could it influence elections, just like Facebook ads did in 2016?

These are the exact same fears that surrounded Facebook and Cambridge Analytica—except now, TikTok is even more addictive, more engaging, and more widely used by younger generations.

3. A Lack of Transparency

When Facebook was exposed in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, one of the biggest criticisms was how little users actually knew about what was happening with their data.

TikTok is facing similar scrutiny:

• The company has denied sharing data with the Chinese government, but the US isn’t convinced.
• Employees have leaked reports showing that China-based staff did have access to US user data.
• The algorithm remains a black box, with little clarity on how content is prioritised and filtered.

This lack of transparency fuels suspicions that something bigger might be happening behind the scenes.

The Differences: Is TikTok Being Targeted Unfairly?

While the Cambridge Analytica scandal was an undeniable data breach, TikTok’s case isn’t as clear-cut. Some argue that the US government’s crackdown on TikTok is politically motivated, rather than based on real evidence of wrongdoing.

1. Political Agendas

• US-China tensions have been escalating, with the US placing sanctions on Chinese tech companies like Huawei and ByteDance.
• Many believe that TikTok is being used as a scapegoat in a larger geopolitical battle.
• If TikTok were an American company, would it be facing the same scrutiny?

2. Other Tech Giants Do the Same Thing

• Facebook, Google, and Instagram also collect massive amounts of user data—but they aren’t facing bans in the US.
• Many American platforms also use AI-powered algorithms to influence user behaviour—so why is TikTok being singled out?

3. No Direct Election Interference (Yet)

• Unlike Cambridge Analytica, which was proven to have used data to manipulate elections, there is no concrete evidence that TikTok has done the same—at least not yet.
• However, with the 2024 US election still fresh in people’s minds, fears of foreign influence are stronger than ever.

What Happens Next? A Digital Cold War?

Whether TikTok is the next Cambridge Analytica or just a political pawn, one thing is clear: we are entering a new era of digital warfare.

Some possible outcomes include:

A TikTok ban or forced sale in the US – The government might push for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company.
Stronger data privacy laws – The controversy could lead to tighter regulations on all social media platforms, not just TikTok.
A rise in alternative platforms – With trust in big tech declining, more users might turn to decentralised social media networks.
A bigger focus on AI manipulation – As AI deepfakes and algorithmic bias become more sophisticated, the risks of election interference and misinformation will grow.

Final Thoughts: Should We Be Worried?

The Cambridge Analytica scandal changed the way we think about social media and data privacy—but it didn’t stop governments, tech companies, or bad actors from exploiting user data for power.

With TikTok now at the centre of a global controversy, we have to ask ourselves:

• Who really controls our data?
• Are we being manipulated without realising it?
• And will history repeat itself?

One thing is certain—this isn’t just about TikTok. It’s about the future of social media, democracy, and digital privacy. And whether we’re ready or not, the battle for control over our data is only just beginning.