Netflix’s ‘Atlas’ Sees Jennifer Lopez Chastised For Using Wrong Pronouns To Refer To Sentient AI
In the latest injection of identity politics into Western media, Netflix’s new sci-fi Atlas has been found to feature a scene wherein its titular protagonist, as portrayed by Jennifer Lopez, is lectured on proper pronoun usage by a sentient AI.
Penned by Star Trek: Discovery writer Aron Eli Coleite and StartUp story editor Leo Sardarian, Atlas follows the tale of one Atlas Shepherd, an information analyst under the employ of the International Coalition of Nations who is currently assigned to hunting and capturing a rogue AI named Harlan (Simu Liu) in order to hold it accountable for his attempt to exterminate humanity thirty years prior.
Taking place relatively early on in the film’s runtime, the scene in question comes just after Atlas learns that not only has the ICN learned of Harlan’s current location, but they are preparing to launch a full-fledged invasion thereof with the intent of taking him alive. [Time Stamp: 00:17:00].
Recalling how Harlan’s initial rebellion was facilitated by his unique ability to overwrite the programming of other AIs, including those under control by the ICN, Atlas responds to the news by warning the mission’s leaders, Colonel Banks (Sterling K. Brown) and General Jake Boothe (Mark Strong) that any attempt to fight the AI rather than eliminate it outright will only result in humanity’s own weapons once again being turned against them.
Frustrated with the situation, the analyst sighs in conclusion to her warning, “I need a coffee.”
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Aiming to put her worries at ease, Banks invites Atlas to accompany him and General Boothe to a nearby hanger, whereupon their arrival the group is greeted by a lumbering Arc Suit, as operated by an AI named Zoe (Zoe Boyle), holding the requested cup of coffee.
Taken aback by Zoe’s offering, Atlas turns to Banks and asks him, “How did it know I wanted coffee?”
However, before the Colonel is able to respond, Zoe quickly takes offense to Atlas’ comment and corrects her, “I’m sorry, but my pronouns are she and her, not ‘it’.”
Lowering his head in exasperation at his Arc Suit’s interjection, Banks ultimately reveals that the reason for his confidence in his upcoming sortie is the fact that “[Zoe] was aware of our conversation because we’re synced,” thus denying Harlan any room in the AI’s ‘brain’ with which to implant his own code.
This is far from the first time a piece of Western entertainment has featured a moment wherein its lead protagonist is chastised (and rather condescendingly at that) for incorrect pronoun usage.
Of recent note was Doctor Who‘s 60th anniversary special, The Star Beast, wherein after declaring of an alien known as The Meep, “I promise I can help him get home!”, the Time Lord is scolded by Rose Noble, “You’re assuming he as a pronoun? Hmm.”
Atlas is now ready for launch exclusively on Netflix.
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