In my journey as a homoerotic artist, LGBTQ art activist, male boudoir photographer, and fitness model, I have encountered a relentless and insidious war declared by corporate America on nudity, sexuality in all its forms and, by extension, our shared humanity. Each day, I face a barrage of insults from numerous corporations with their anti-human policies. Almost every software tool I use is now powered by AI, and within these American-originated AI models, nudity and human sexuality are treated as taboos, violations of corporate policies. From critically oppressive social media giants to search engines to art and production tools, the verdict is unanimous: no nudity, no sexuality, no humanity.
The War on Nudity, Sexuality and Shared Humanity: Corporate America’s Assault on Artistic Expression – by Maxwell Alexander, MA, BFA, Artist, Photographer, Fitness Model, EIC, GUY STYLE MAGAZINE
The Erasure of Humanity
As an artist whose work revolves around the human form, I am profoundly affected by this systematic erasure of human expression. My art celebrates the beauty, strength, and vulnerability of the male body, inspired by ancient Greek ideals of Olympic athletes. Yet, these corporate policies seek to strip away the essence of my work, reducing it to a mere shadow of its true self. Are we to bow down and operate on the level of a vegetable, devoid of the raw, unfiltered essence that makes us human?
Tech Monopolies: Enemies of Expression
Tech monopolies, with their emotionally abusive policies, are some of the worst enemies of our shared humanity. Their influence extends far and wide, dictating what is acceptable and what is not, often without any regard for the cultural and artistic significance of the content they censor. Social media platforms, in particular, have become the gatekeepers of modern expression, wielding their power with little accountability. The very platforms that once promised to democratize the sharing of ideas and creativity now stifle the voices that dare to celebrate human sexuality and nudity.
The AI Conundrum
The advent of AI in creative tools and platforms has exacerbated this issue. AI models, developed and trained within the confines of puritanical corporate policies, inherently reflect the biases and restrictions imposed by their creators. This results in an automated censorship mechanism that operates without nuance, failing to distinguish between art and obscenity, between celebration and exploitation.
The Emotional Toll
The emotional toll of this censorship is profound. Artists like myself, who pour their hearts and souls into their work, find themselves constantly battling against an invisible, omnipresent adversary. The emotional abuse inflicted by these policies extends beyond the realm of professional frustration; it invades our personal lives, eroding our sense of identity and worth as creators.
Organizing for Change
This must stop. It is imperative that we, as a community of artists, activists, and supporters of human expression, organize and hold these tech monopolies accountable. We must advocate for policies that respect and celebrate the diversity of human experience, including nudity and sexuality. Our shared humanity is not a violation; it is our most profound connection.
The war that corporate America has declared on nudity and our shared humanity is a fight against the very essence of what makes us human. It is a battle that we must confront with unwavering resolve. By organizing, raising our voices, and demanding change, we can reclaim our right to express, celebrate, and share the beauty of the human form in all its glory. This is not just a fight for artists; it is a fight for humanity itself.
