'Racist': DHS posted an AI image of a Sikh man. Backlash ensued
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Set us as preferred WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security drew backlash over an AI-generated social media post featuring a Sikh man facing off against a character made to look like Optimus Prime from the movie “Transformers.” The agency later deleted the image.Posted Wednesday to the official X account for DHS, the image created by artificial intelligence depicted the “Transformers” character opposite a bearded man wearing a bandanna over his hair.
The image, made to look like a movie poster, stated, “America for Americans.” “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive Mr.Singh,” it continued.
The post was denounced as “racist propaganda” and “completely unacceptable.”The administration and DHS make no effort to hide their obvious bigotry, casting suspicion on millions of Americans based on their background and appearance, in this case, the Sikh community.DHS’s grotesque advertising campaign is hateful, disgraceful, and un-American.
pic.twitter.com/zkYGTTfOjLOther X posts by DHS that reference Transformers remain online.Sikh Americans and elected officials condemned the image and accused the Trump administration of using racist imagery to stigmatize Sikhs while promoting its deportation campaign.
Hasbro, which owns the franchise, issued a statement saying the posts by DHS were made “without permission and do not represent the Transformers brand or Hasbro.” Singh, which translates to “lion,” is the most common last name for Sikh men.DHS said the post depicted Harjinder Singh, an Indian truck driver accused of causing a fatal crash last year that left three people dead after his 18-wheeler collided with their minivan in Florida.
He has pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide charges.In photos released by DHS, Harjinder Singh wears similar clothes as the man in the now-d...