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Thursday January 9, 2025

January 9, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Jimmy Carter's legacy of integrity, diplomacy, and humanitarian service stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump's era of divisive rhetoric and personality-driven politics, highlighting a significant shift in American values over the past fifty years.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 9, 2025 and The Toronto Star

Jimmy Carter vs. Donald Trump: A Tale of Two Presidencies and the Values That Define Them

Jimmy Carter swag

As the United States witnesses the passing of Jimmy Carter at the age of 100 and the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, the nation stands at a crossroads, reflecting on two vastly different eras and the values they epitomize. These two figures, separated by decades and divergent in their approaches to leadership, offer a lens through which we can examine the evolution of American politics and the shifting cultural landscape.

Jimmy Carter ascended to the presidency in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, a time when the American public yearned for honesty and integrity in their leaders. Carter campaigned on a promise never to lie to the American people, a pledge that resonated deeply with a nation disillusioned by political deceit. This commitment was not just rhetoric; it was a reflection of Carter’s personal ethos. His presidency, though fraught with challenges like double-digit inflation and the Iran hostage crisis, was grounded in a dedication to human rights and international diplomacy.

Essay: From Scorn to Respect, Carter’s Legacy Evolved After His Presidency

The Tehran Six – Feb 1, 1980

Carter’s approach to governance was marked by humility and a genuine desire to serve the public good. His tenure was characterized by strong international relationships, including a notably respectful and cooperative connection with Canada. Early in his career, Carter, then a U.S. Navy lieutenant, assisted in managing a nuclear reactor incident at Chalk River, Ontario, exemplifying early collaboration between the two nations. During his presidency, he fostered a strong rapport with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, addressing trade disputes and defence agreements. During the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis, Carter publicly acknowledged Canada’s crucial role in the “Canadian Caper,” where Canadian diplomats sheltered six American hostages—a testament to the deep mutual respect between the two countries.

May 2, 2012

After leaving office, Carter’s bond with Canada only deepened. He attended Pierre Trudeau’s funeral as a pallbearer in 2000, reflecting their personal friendship. Carter’s humanitarian efforts extended into Canada, where he and his wife volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in 2017, building homes for families in need as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. His ongoing engagement with Canadian institutions and communities left a lasting impact on bilateral relations.

News: Trump’s praise of Carter in death after jeering him in life deepens a contradictory relationship

Donald Trump’s taunts toward Canada and Justin Trudeau reflect poorly on his diplomacy and leadership, demanding a firm but measured response to protect Canada’s sovereignty and dignity.

December 12, 2024

In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s presidency reflects a different era, characterized by a focus on personality over principle. Trump’s rise to power was marked by a break from traditional political norms, appealing to a base that valued his outsider status and willingness to challenge the establishment. However, his tenure was also defined by divisiveness, legal controversies, and rhetoric that often veered from fact.

Trump’s approach to leadership has been polarizing, with his administration mired in scandals and legal battles. His frequent factual inaccuracies, and his brash, often controversial statements have redefined the political discourse. His presidency has been marked by a focus on media presence and personal branding, with less emphasis on the moral and ethical standards traditionally associated with the office.

Donald Trump’s campaign—marked by chaos, incivility, and a disregard for presidential norms—tests how much degradation Americans are willing to tolerate from their leaders, with dangerous implications for the future of democracy.

October 22, 2024

One of the more striking examples of this rhetoric is Trump’s suggestion of using economic force to pressure Canada into becoming the 51st state—a strategy both puerile and wild in its conception. This notion starkly contrasts with the diplomatic respect Carter maintained with Canada, highlighting a departure from the norms upheld by previous administrations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s emphatic response, stating there’s “not a snowball’s chance in hell” Canada would join the U.S., underscores the diplomatic tensions exacerbated by such rhetoric.

News: Trudeau says ‘not a snowball’s chance in hell’ Canada joins U.S.

The transition from Carter to Trump over the past fifty years reveals significant shifts in American values and political culture. Carter’s era emphasized integrity, humility, and a commitment to public service, while Trump’s reflects a focus on media influence, populism, and a more transactional approach to leadership.

President Carter, by MacKay, c1980

As the nation reflects on these contrasting legacies, Carter’s life serves as a beacon of respectability and integrity. His example challenges us to consider the qualities we seek in our leaders and the values we hold dear. In a time when political discourse often seems devoid of moral clarity, Carter’s legacy reminds us of the enduring power of honesty, and service to others.

In bidding farewell to Jimmy Carter, we are reminded of a time when integrity and moral leadership were paramount. As Donald Trump prepares to take office once again, the nation grapples with the implications of these divergent paths. The rhetoric about engaging in an economic war with Canada to force annexation is a testament to the era’s volatility and contrasts sharply with Carter’s legacy of diplomatic collaboration. In the end, it is not just the leaders themselves, but the values they represent, that will shape the future of American democracy. Through this lens, Carter stands out as a testament to the virtues of integrity and service—qualities that remain as vital today as they were during his time in office.


These days with all the ceremony marking the death of the 39th President of the United States I’m struck as a Canadian witnessing it all by the stark contrast between Jimmy Carter’s lasting legacy and the upcoming so called “golden age” of Donald Trump. My latest cartoon, running on Thursday, January 9th—the date of Carter’s funeral— I hope captures this divide.

Reflecting on the Canadian Caper, when Carter and Americans celebrated Canada’s daring rescue of six hostages from Iran, we see a poignant moment of cooperation between our countries. This event stands out as a high point in our shared history, reminiscent of our united stands against tyranny in WWII and Afghanistan, and our decades-long trade partnership.

Today, however, we face a different reality. Trump’s presidency has introduced a more contentious era, straining the ties that have bonded Canada and the USA for so long. This marks a sad chapter in our relationship, prompting reflection on the values we cherish in our international partnerships and leadership.

Jimmy Carter was the first President I became aware of. Actually, no, I recall the morning after the 1976 Presidential election when a peanut farmer with big teeth and funny lips beat the boring guy named Gerald Ford, and it became the talk of the playground among 7 year olds. I recently reflected on this in a recent edition of Young Doug Ford. https://mackaycartoons.net/2024/11/05/tuesday-november-5-2024-2/

Back in 1980, as an 11-year-old Canadian, I captured the spirit of the times in my first political cartoon, “Ayatollah Cola.” It was a hit among my classmates and set me on my path as a cartoonist. Decades later, I was amazed to see a photo of Jimmy Carter wearing a face mask I designed, showcasing his iconic grin—a symbol of his enduring commitment to public service and humanity.

Carter’s post-presidential life stands in stark contrast to today’s political climate. He dedicated himself to service and humanitarian causes, setting an example that remains relevant. My Jimmy Carter smile masks—available on my online store—are a small tribute to his legacy, with proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity Hamilton.

As we reflect on these contrasting presidential eras, I hope my cartoons and reflections offer a space to ponder the future of American democracy and the enduring values of cooperation and respect.

Enjoy the January 9, 2024 making-of animated editorial cartoon below. Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday or Saturday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada, USA Tagged: 2025-01, annexation, Canada, CanadaUSA, dignity, diplomacy, division, Donald Trump, humanitarian, integrity, Jimmy Carter, Morality, rhetoric, Substack, USA, USACanada

Thursday November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Trump's return to power promises sweeping change and a "Golden Age," but risks deepening divisions and geopolitical uncertainty under the weight of great expectations.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 7, 2024

Great Expectations and the Greatest Comeback: A Golden Age or a Gilded Illusion?

November 9, 2016 (The morning after)

The morning after Donald Trump’s election to a second term has cast a stark light across the United States and the globe. Some see it as “The Greatest Comeback of All Time”—an extraordinary return to power reminiscent of political resurrections in history. Yet, for many, this resurgence is anything but triumphant. Half the nation, joined by allies and observers worldwide, is awakening to a wave of anxiety, bracing for a period they fear will be marked by retaliation, revenge, and deepening resentment.

Trump’s campaign promises were as sweeping as they were blunt, pledging to right perceived wrongs and remake American society in line with a vision that blends nostalgia, populism, and unbridled assertiveness. Central to this vision is the promise of a “Golden Age,” echoing Reagan-era optimism, polished with the now-familiar rallying cry: “Make America Great Again.” Yet, beneath these gilded promises, questions linger about who will reap the benefits of this promised era and at what cost to unity, both domestically and abroad.

In 2008, Barack Obama inspired hope with promises of change, a message so resonant it propelled him to the presidency amidst great expectations. However, the realities of governance tempered that vision; progress met resistance, and incremental wins fell short of transformative dreams for many. Today, Trump enters his second term buoyed by similar, albeit more fervent, expectations. His supporters believe he returns armed with sharper tools and lessons learned from a first term hampered by bureaucracy and resistance.

Analysis: Trump policies: Seven things he says he will do as president

August 3, 2023

The central promise this time is not just to continue the work of his prior administration but to expand it—rapidly and unapologetically. Trump, who once lamented that “the system is rigged,” now seems intent on navigating, if not overriding, that very system. His agenda includes sweeping immigration crackdowns, aggressive economic measures like massive tariffs, deregulation, and cultural interventions that target education and reproductive rights. Such ambitions signal a fast-moving administration, determined to mold the U.S. in a new, yet familiar, image.

However, for a significant portion of the population, this victory is seen not as a dawn of renewed greatness but as an omen of retributive governance. Trump’s rhetoric has long hinted at payback, particularly against political rivals and dissenting voices. The concern now is how this posture will translate into policy, and whether the U.S. will see not just a rollback of progressive measures but an intensified campaign to reshape institutions and norms with loyalty tests and ideological litmus exams. For those on the other side of the aisle, this raises fears of marginalization and the erosion of democratic safeguards.

The convergence of Elon Musk’s influence over U.S. elections, Donald Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, and Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical agenda feels eerily like the unfolding of a real-life James Bond thriller, with democracy and global security hanging in the balance.

October 26, 2024

Trump’s pledge to end the war in Ukraine on “day one” stands as a prime example of the blurred lines between bold promise and ominous risk. The implications are severe; an abrupt shift in U.S. policy that undercuts Ukraine could embolden Russia and destabilize Europe. What Trump touts as a commitment to peace may be seen by allies as a concession that sacrifices global security for expedient resolution. The shadow of geopolitical power games looms large, and the prospect of a win for Putin—a move that reshapes alliances and recalibrates NATO’s strategic calculus—adds a layer of unpredictability to what follows.

What remains to be seen is whether Trump’s second term can genuinely deliver a “Golden Age” or if the promise is a veneer masking deep divisions and selective gains. The reality of Trump’s platform underscores that this “greatness” is likely to be exclusionary. Proposals to gut reproductive rights, restrict educational content, and shift civil rights enforcement are poised to benefit certain demographics while alienating others. The stark contrast between vision and application—between promise and who actually profits—cannot be ignored.

Analysis: The Trump agenda: Here’s what to expect from his second term

March 11, 2016

Much like Obama’s experience with sky-high expectations tempered by legislative gridlock and compromise, Trump’s anticipated bulldozing of policy may meet roadblocks of its own. The judiciary, political opposition, and international backlash stand as potential checks on his sweeping agenda. Yet, this time, the fear is less about gridlock and more about overreach: policies that accelerate not just change but potential rupture.

As America stands at this crossroads, citizens and lawmakers alike will grapple with what it means to navigate great expectations in a deeply polarized landscape. If Trump’s promises materialize without spiralling into retaliation-fuelled governance, he might indeed build an era marked by notable economic and structural shifts. However, if his actions inflame divisions and fuel selective prosperity, history may remember this as a gilded illusion rather than a Golden Age—a period where “greatness” was pursued but at a cost that left the nation more fractured than before.

The stakes are high, not just for America but for the world. Whether this moment will be a story of reclaimed glory or a cautionary tale of towering expectations met with turbulent outcomes depends on how the Trump administration chooses to wield its renewed mandate—and whether America, in all its complexity, can navigate the path ahead with resilience and unity.


Saturday Night Live kicked off with Maya Rudolph’s always-fun impression of Kamala Harris. She pulled the old “mirror” bit with the real Kamala, who gamely played along. It was a funny, upbeat moment as the two Kamalas joked about the name Kamala, and it’s hard to imagine anyone but a humuorless sourpuss not cracking a smile. A rare light moment, and maybe one of the last we’ll see as the 2024 campaign winds down.

Of the two candidates, Harris clearly enjoyed herself more during the race. She danced, laughed, and ran on positivity—a sharp contrast to her aggrieved opponent, Donald Trump. Sure, surviving two assassination attempts would shake anyone’s spirits, but Kamala’s joy shone through, making her campaign infectious in the best way.

Now that power is on its way to changing hands, it’s the moment for editorial cartoonists to turn our pens toward the victors. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work in this business, if we’re doing our job right. Trump’s win, of course, means another four years of potential material. And as a Canadian cartoonist, I’ll admit I have the freedom to look away and focus on homegrown issues—but I feel for my American friends in the field who won’t get that break from Trump’s daily drama.

One silver lining, though, is that this time, the people have spoken, and they were actually heard—loud and clear. After years of election skepticism and doubts cast on the process, this vote feels settled, with no lingering conspiracy theories muddying the waters. It’s a crucial reminder that democracy is alive, even when the results don’t please everyone.

And while it’s tempting to dump on any winner after a hotly contested election, this victory—however divisive—still reflects the people’s voice. I like to give incoming winners, even Trump a bit of a break from the ridicule with a view to an election being more a reflection of the will of the voters and less about the candidate. Some are calling it “The Greatest Comeback of All Time,” and while that’s debatable, it’s fair to say it’s one for the history books. Right now, Trump’s at the peak of his return, and for one day, at least, his critics can take a breather. There’s a lot going on closer to home to pick apart in the meantime. With Trump there’ll be plenty to pick apart soon enough.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Posted in: Uncategorized Tagged: 2024-20, border crisis, division, Donald Trump, election, four horsemen of the apocalypse, golden age, inflation, Substack, USA, war

Tuesday September 10, 2024

September 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Canada faces an alarming new threat as far-right influencers, allegedly funded by Russian operatives, use propaganda to radicalize citizens, sow division, and undermine democracy, posing a form of ideological homegrown terrorism.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 10, 2024

An animated version of this cartoon…here…

Canada’s Far-Right Propaganda Problem—A New Form of Homegrown Terrorism?

The rise of anonymous commentators on social media platforms spreading misinformation and disinformation poses a significant threat, emphasizing the need for individuals to exercise caution, critical thinking, and news literacy skills to combat deception.

November 7, 2023

By now, the recent revelations about Canadian far-right influencers embedded in an alleged Russian propaganda scheme should be a wake-up call to anyone who values Canadian democracy. The U.S. Department of Justice’s indictment against two Russian nationals, accusing them of covertly funding Tenet Media—a media outlet tied to Canadian influencers Lauren Chen and Lauren Southern—has brought an insidious problem to light. Yet this scandal may be only the tip of the iceberg, highlighting a growing threat to our country: foreign-funded disinformation campaigns aimed at radicalizing Canadians, creating chaos, and undermining Western institutions.

News: With charges and sanctions, US takes aim at Russian disinformation ahead of November election

January 25, 2022

We often think of foreign interference in abstract terms, assuming it’s something that happens “elsewhere”—in the U.S. or Europe. But this activity is unfolding in our own backyard. Canadian far-right influencers have become willing collaborators in these schemes, taking advantage of our digital platforms to broadcast propaganda, peddle disinformation, and inflame societal tensions. What’s more, this foreign-backed radicalization effort mirrors the traits of homegrown terrorism, aiming to weaken the state from within by fostering hate, fear, and division.

Take Lauren Chen and Lauren Southern, two figures central to Tenet Media’s pro-Russian propaganda efforts. These influencers have become part of a dangerous transnational network that seeks to destabilize not only the U.S., but also Canada. Southern, a vocal supporter of the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, has collaborated with figures like Aleksandr Dugin, a known ally of Vladimir Putin. Chen, meanwhile, built a following with her anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ views, creating content that mirrored the Kremlin’s talking points. Both individuals are deeply intertwined in the international far-right media ecosystem, and both contributed content designed to stoke outrage over issues like immigration and cultural identity.

The rising threats of extremism and misinformation targeting politicians and elections demand urgent attention from authorities to safeguard democracy and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

March 26, 2024

This goes beyond mere opinion-shaping. When foreign actors like Russia fund and direct the narrative of far-right media outlets, the consequences are dire. They manipulate real grievances—about housing affordability, inflation, and the erosion of trust in government institutions—to serve their strategic interests. The allegations against Tenet Media and its Canadian founders demonstrate how vulnerable we are to outside influence when our own influencers are willing to sell out our democracy.

Russia’s goal, as former CSIS director Richard Fadden warns, is not just to influence the U.S. presidential election but to erode trust in institutions across the West, including Canada. This is not just about disinformation; it’s about creating a psychological state of disillusionment and division. It’s about weakening the social fabric by promoting cultural warfare, distrust, and polarization. The strategy is simple but effective: amplify fringe voices, divide communities, and let chaos unfold from within.

This tactic should be considered akin to a new form of homegrown terrorism. While it may not involve guns or bombs, it involves something far more dangerous: the poisoning of minds. When we see online comment sections flooded with pro-Russian talking points or blatant Kremlin propaganda, it’s not hard to recognize the pattern. Influencers like Lauren Southern and Lauren Chen may not have planted physical explosives, but they have helped detonate ideological bombs that fragment our society.

Analysis: Meet the right-wing Canadian influencers accused of collaborating with an alleged Russian propaganda scheme

December 22, 2022

The recent revelation that $10 million in Russian money was funnelled to Tenet Media and its Canadian collaborators underlines the scale of this disinformation campaign. Far from being passive bystanders, these individuals were active participants in shaping narratives that played directly into Russian hands.

What’s more concerning is that Tenet Media and its Canadian influencers are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Many far-right media personalities, both in Canada and the U.S., have been parroting Kremlin talking points for years. These talking points, whether about Ukraine, immigration, or Western values, have seeped into the broader conservative ecosystem, influencing not just media but politics. Prominent figures, such as Tucker Carlson in the U.S., have shown remarkable alignment with Russian narratives on issues like Ukraine, further complicating the fight against disinformation.

As one concerned reader commented, “The calls are coming from inside the house.” And they’re right. The influence of foreign disinformation campaigns is not just an external threat; it’s been internalized by many of our own citizens who now openly question the legitimacy of our institutions and media.

Opinion: I cover the far right for a living. This is why I wasn’t surprised to find Canadians embedded in an alleged Russian propaganda scheme

Pierre Poilievre should listen to the Ukrainian diaspora's concerns, rectify the party's approach to Ukraine, and explicitly declare support to "Stand with Ukraine" for a more principled foreign policy.

March 8, 2024

How did we become so polarized in such a short time? It’s no coincidence that nations like Russia, China, and Iran are using sophisticated disinformation tactics to turn citizens against one another. Russia, in particular, excels at exploiting societal fault lines to sow discord. Whether it’s inflaming outrage over gender issues or immigration, or pushing narratives that undermine public trust in health measures, the goal is always the same: division. And the Ottawa occupation and Coutts blockade are prime examples of how these foreign-backed movements have amplified domestic unrest.

The protests and occupations we’ve seen in recent years are more reactions to propaganda than to any genuine grassroots discontent. They’re reactions stoked by agitators who profit from division, just as Russia profits from a weakened and polarized Canada.

So, what can we do? As another reader insightfully pointed out, “The best offence is one where the enemy doesn’t even realize they’re being attacked.” This is exactly what’s happening in Canada today. The Russian state and its allies have perfected the art of ideological subversion, making it hard to even recognize that we’re under attack.

We need to call this out for what it is: a coordinated attack on our democracy. Canada cannot afford to become a safe haven for far-right influencers acting as foreign agents. It is crucial that policymakers take stronger steps to regulate social media platforms and introduce foreign agent registries. We must also foster public awareness about how disinformation works and how to identify it.

Finally, as individuals, we need to talk to our friends, family, and colleagues. Explain what’s happening. Expose the insidious nature of these disinformation campaigns, and make sure we are getting our news from credible, trusted sources. By doing so, we can help stop this growing form of ideological terrorism from further taking root in Canada.

Our democracy depends on it. (AI)

Posted in: Canada, International Tagged: 2024-16, animated, bear, beaver, Canada, disinformation, division, foreign interference, misinformation, polarization, propaganda, ruble, Russia, Vladimir Putin

Tuesday November 1, 2022

November 1, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 1, 2022

U.S. Headlines Expressing Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness Increased Hugely Since 2000

About 42 percent of Americans now actively avoid news coverage, according to the Reuters Institute’s 2022 Digital News Report. That’s up from 38 percent in 2017. Nearly half of Americans who’ve turned away from the news say that they are doing so because it has a negative effect on their mood. As it happens, a new study in the journal PLoS One tracking the headlines in 47 publications popular in the United States reports that they have trended decidedly negative over the past two decades. 

Coincidence?

June 12, 2019

In their study, the team of New Zealand-based media researchers used a language model trained to categorize as positive or negative the sentiments of 23 million headlines between 2000 and 2019. In addition, the model was finetuned to identify Ekman’s six basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, surprise), plus neutral, to label the headlines automatically. Using the 2019 Allsides Media Bias Chart, the publications were ideologically categorized as left, right, or center. For example, The New Yorker, the New York Times Opinion, and Mother Jones were identified as left; National Review, Fox News Opinion, and The New York Post as right; and A.P., Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal as center. (Reason was pegged as right-leaning.)

After turning their language model loose on the millions of headlines, the researchers found “an increase of sentiment negativity in headlines across written news media since the year 2000.”

June 5, 2012

Overall, the researchers find that the prevalence of headlines denoting anger since the year 2000 increased by 104 percent. The prevalence of headlines denoting fear rose 150 percent; disgust by 29 percent; and sadness by 54 percent. The joy emotional category had its up and downs, rising until 2010 and falling after that. Headlines denoting neutral emotion declined by 30 percent since the year 2000. Breaking these down by ideology, headlines from right-leaning news media have been, on average, consistently more negative than headlines from left-leaning outlets.

Why are negative headlines becoming more prevalent? “If it bleeds, it leads” is a hoary journalistic aphorism summarizing the well-known fact that dramatic, even gory, stories engage the attention of news consumers. In other words, journalists are supplying news consumers with what they want. Given the global reach of modern news media, there is always some attention-grabbing horror that occurred somewhere that can be highlighted between weather and sports on your local TV news.

November 4, 2020

Journalistic catering to people’s negativity bias ends up misleading a lot of their audiences into thinking that the state of the world is getting worse and worse. However, looking at long term trends, the opposite is the case. Yes, yes, there are wars in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Yemen and, of course, a global pandemic during the past two years has killed around 6.5 million people so far. “For reasons I have never understood, people like to hear that the world is going to hell, and become huffy and scornful when some idiotic optimist intrudes on their pleasure,” wrote economist Deidre McCloskey. “Yet pessimism has consistently been a poor guide to the modern economic world.” (Continued: Reason) 

 

Posted in: Canada, International, Lifestyle Tagged: 2022-36, climate crisis, crisis, depression, disaster, disease, division, Halloween, hate, inflation, media, negative, news, newspaper, pessimism, Printed in the Toronto Star

Saturday January 29, 2022

January 29, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 29, 2022

What in the Wordle? The New Viral Word Game Dividing the Internet

April 4, 2020

In the past few weeks a new phenomenon has emerged on Twitter feeds around the world: a mysterious grid – five squares across, six down – littered with green, yellow and black tiles.

Sometimes it’s uploaded as a boast, sometimes a lament. Either way the grids are a something of a scorecard for the internet’s latest obsession and battleground, Wordle – a no-frills, daily online word puzzle that gives users just one chance, in six attempts, to solve the five-letter word of the day. And it’s proving to be as addictive as it is simple.

“Exponential growth cannot be denied. Maths cannot be shrugged away,” one Twitter user warned this week. “If you can’t see the terrifying truth of what is happening you are a denialist and a fool: Twitter will be 98.7% Wordle by Tuesday.”

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2022-04, antivax, Canada, covid-19, division, freedom, Games, pandemic, Parliament, protest, social media, trucker, wordle
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