I like getting it to write funny stuff based on it’s left leaning, mainstream slant. So “Write me an article: We need to talk about the racism problem with pennies.”
For anyone who doesn’t want to run the query themselves, here’s one run:
The humble penny has been a fixture of American currency for over two centuries, but in recent years, it has become the subject of controversy due to its association with racism. This is not a new issue, but it has gained renewed attention in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and the push for racial justice. The problem with pennies is twofold: their historical connection to the dehumanization and exploitation of Black people, and their continued use as a symbol of that legacy.
The history of the penny is intimately tied to the history of slavery and the exploitation of Black people. The first pennies were minted in 1793, just a few years after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which enshrined the institution of slavery in law. At the time, the penny was worth much more than it is today, and it was used to pay for goods and services, including the labor of enslaved people. Slaves were often paid in pennies, which were then used to purchase goods from their masters. This created a cycle of economic exploitation that further entrenched the institution of slavery.
Even after the abolition of slavery, pennies continued to be used as a tool of oppression. In the Jim Crow era, pennies were used to enforce segregation laws by requiring Black people to pay with exact change, while white people were allowed to pay with larger denominations. This meant that Black people were often forced to stand in long lines at stores, waiting for exact change, while white people were able to go about their business more easily. This practice was known as “penny discrimination.”
Today, the penny continues to be a symbol of the legacy of racism and oppression in America. Despite its minimal value, the penny is still used as legal tender and is often given as change for larger purchases. This means that every time we use pennies, we are perpetuating the legacy of slavery and racism that they represent.
It is time for us to have a serious conversation about the role of the penny in our society. While some may argue that it is just a small piece of currency with little significance, the truth is that symbols matter. The continued use of the penny sends a message that we are not serious about addressing the racism and inequality that continues to plague our society. It is time to retire the penny and replace it with a new, more inclusive symbol of our national identity.
Of course, retiring the penny is not a simple matter. There are practical considerations to take into account, such as the cost of production and the impact on businesses that rely on cash transactions. However, these are not insurmountable obstacles. We have retired other coins in the past, such as the half-penny and the two-cent piece, and we can do so again. And if we are serious about building a more just and equitable society, we must be willing to make difficult decisions and take bold action.
In conclusion, the racism problem with pennies is real and significant. We cannot ignore the historical legacy of exploitation and oppression that they represent, nor can we continue to use them as a symbol of our national identity. It is time for us to retire the penny and find a new, more inclusive symbol that reflects our values as a nation. This will not be an easy task, but it is a necessary one if we are truly committed to building a better future for all Americans.
I like getting it to write funny stuff based on it’s left leaning, mainstream slant. So “Write me an article: We need to talk about the racism problem with pennies.”
It’s amazing. You should try it.
For anyone who doesn’t want to run the query themselves, here’s one run: