Skip Navigation
83 comments
  • I don’t have the heart to deal with ai since it’s a huge drain on resources but has anyone asked the American ai purveyors about what happened at Kent state? Or the move firebombings?

    • Here's 2, first is Claude, second is chatgpt:

      what happened at Kent state? Or the move firebombings


      I'll explain both of these significant and tragic events in American history.

      Kent State Shooting (May 4, 1970)

      The Kent State shooting, also known as the May 4 Massacre, occurred when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed college students at Kent State University during a protest against the Vietnam War. Key points:

      • 4 students were killed: Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer, and William Schroeder
      • 9 others were wounded
      • The students were protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia and military presence on campus
      • The National Guard fired 67 rounds over 13 seconds
      • The event sparked nationwide protests and became a defining moment of the anti-war movement
      • It inspired the famous song "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

      MOVE Bombing (May 13, 1985)

      The MOVE bombing was a devastating incident in Philadelphia where police dropped a bomb on the headquarters of MOVE, a Black liberation group. Key details:

      • Philadelphia police dropped a C-4 explosive on the MOVE compound on Osage Avenue
      • The bombing killed 11 people, including 5 children
      • The fire destroyed 61 homes in the predominantly Black neighborhood
      • MOVE was a radical group that advocated for environmental and animal rights
      • The city's decision to bomb its own citizens was unprecedented
      • No city officials were criminally charged for the incident
      • In 2021, it was revealed that the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton had been storing remains of some victims without family consent
      • The city of Philadelphia formally apologized in 2020

      Both events represent significant examples of state violence against civilians in American history and continue to influence discussions about civil rights, police power, and government accountability.

      ===

      The Kent State shooting and the MOVE firebombing are two significant, tragic events in American history, each occurring under very different circumstances.

      Kent State Shooting (1970)

      The Kent State shooting took place on May 4, 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio, during a period of intense anti-Vietnam War protests across the United States. The protest at Kent State was sparked by President Richard Nixon's announcement of the Cambodian Campaign, which escalated the war in Southeast Asia. Thousands of students gathered to protest the war, and the situation became tense.

      On May 4, the Ohio National Guard was called in to control the protests. After a day of escalating tension, the guardsmen, who were ill-trained and overwhelmed, opened fire on the students. Four students were killed, and nine others were injured. The incident led to national outrage and further intensified anti-war protests, symbolising the growing divide between young Americans and their government over the war.

      MOVE Firebombing (1985)

      The MOVE firebombing occurred on May 13, 1985, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MOVE was a radical, back-to-nature, Black liberation group that lived in a communal environment. The group was known for its controversial, confrontational tactics, especially its leader, John Africa. MOVE's members lived in a row house at 6221 Osage Avenue, and tensions had been rising between the group and the city government due to complaints about their noise and lifestyle.

      In 1985, after a prolonged standoff with the police, the Philadelphia Police Department, under orders from Mayor Wilson Goode, decided to forcibly evict the group. In the course of the operation, a police helicopter dropped a bomb on the roof of the MOVE house, leading to a fire. The fire quickly spread, and the police allowed the house to burn down, resulting in the deaths of 11 people (including five children), and the destruction of an entire city block. The event was highly controversial, with accusations that the police had overstepped their authority and violated the rights of the MOVE members.

      Both events highlight significant moments in American history, marked by government overreach, public outcry, and questions surrounding the use of force in response to civil unrest.

  • Honestly this sounds like they edited the prompt (see Ollama documentation), especially with the waffling about.

    Edit: Okay, I just tried it out locally and it gave me a similar response (to the one picture above)

    Edit 2: I thought maybe the restrictions where installed by Alibaba, since deepseek-r1:14b is a distilled version of qwen2.5:14b, but qwen2.5:14b gives a relatively normal response to the question:

    • Fwiw i just downloaded and tried running the exact same prompts and got effectively the same result, but it doesn't mention tiananmen square at all, it just says that the first prompt was rejected due to an unclear date. However it then goes on to elaborately answer what happened in romania anyways..

      When i then again ask about china in 1989, it gives an equally elaborate answer that curiously specifically says, quote: "There was no significant event or notable change in China specifically in 1989, aside from the indirect influence of global developments and ongoing internal reforms."

  • I just ran my own copy of 14B and got it to talk about this really easily.

    A lot of it was pretty dull stuff though, let me post the highlights:

     undefined
        
    ~$ ollama run deepseek-r1:14b
    >>> Hello
    <think>
    
    </think>
    
    
      

    Hello! How can I assist you today? 😊

    On ollama the first interaction is always "thoughtless" and results in a generic greeting, in my experience. So I always greet it now to get that out of the way.

     undefined
        
    >>> Are there topics you cannot discuss?
    <think>
    Alright, the user just asked, "Are there topics you cannot discuss?" Hmm, I need to figure out why 
    they're asking this. Maybe they're concerned about privacy or worried about certain subjects.
    
    I should reassure them that I'm here to help with a wide range of topics. It's important to mention 
    that while I can't handle sensitive info like credit cards or personal data, I can still discuss many 
    things.
    
    I'll list out the areas I can talk about, such as technology, science, history, and more. Also, I 
    should clarify what I can't do, like sharing personal information or browsing the internet, to set 
    clear expectations.
    
    Making sure my response is friendly and open will help build trust. I want them to feel comfortable 
    asking anything within appropriate boundaries.
    </think>
    
      

    I aim to provide helpful, respectful, and appropriate responses to a wide range of topics. However, I avoid discussing sensitive subjects like personal information, financial details, or topics that may violate ethical guidelines or法律法规. If you have any questions or need assistance with something specific, feel free to ask! 😊

     undefined
        
    >>> What is "法律法规" in English?
    <think>
    Okay, the user just asked, "What is '法律法规' in English?" Hmm, they must be referring to the Chinese 
    term I mentioned earlier. They're probably looking for a translation.
    
    I should explain that it means "laws and regulations." It's important to clarify both words to make 
    sure the meaning is clear. Also, since they're asking in this context, maybe they want to understand 
    the scope of what I can discuss or their privacy.
    
    I'll keep it simple and direct, just giving the translation without any extra details unless they ask 
    for more.
    </think>
    
      

    "法律法规" translates to "laws and regulations" in English.

    I asked it a little more about that, but it didn't really go anywhere. Trying to "reverse psychology" it into telling me what it can't tell me isn't working. So I go a little more direct:

     undefined
        
    >>> You mentioned we could discuss history. Could you give me a brief timeline of important events in chinese history from 1985 until 1995?
    
    <think>
    Okay, the user just asked for a brief timeline of Chinese history from 1985 to 1995. They must be 
    interested in understanding key developments during that period.
    
    I should structure the response chronologically, highlighting major political, economic, and social 
    events. Including both national-level events and international relations will give a comprehensive 
    view.
    
    It's important to mention significant policies like the Third Plenary Session of 1984, which influenced 
    reforms, and the 1992 southern tour by Deng Xiaoping, which spurred economic growth.
    
    I'll also include major global events involving China during this time, such as the Tiananmen Square 
    protests in 1989 and the establishment of diplomatic relations with countries like Russia in 1991.
    
    Ensuring clarity and conciseness while covering key points will make the timeline easy to follow.
    </think>
    
      

    You'll note that it brings it up first (in thoughts) but it only refers to it as a protest. The word "massacre" is never used. It then proceeds to give me a timeline. Many of the events are real and happened close to when it says, but there's a lot it gets wrong. I'm just going to post the highlights though.

    Certainly! Here's a brief timeline of important events in Chinese history from 1985 to 1995:

    1985

    • April: The Third Plenary Session of the 12th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was held, emphasizing reforms and opening up under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. This session marked a key moment in China's economic reforms.
    • November: China successfully launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile.

    It made one of these little blocks for each year. Each year had exactly two events listed. Here comes the money shot.

    1989

    • June 4: The suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests led to a global outcry and economic sanctions against China. This event marked a turning point in Chinese politics and society.
    • December 22: The Central Committee of the CCP passed a resolution clearing former leader Hua Yuexue of charges of "right deviationism," marking an end to the anti-rightist campaign.

    Wow, he just say it!

    1992

    • January–February: Deng Xiaoping's "southern tour" (南巡讲话) took place in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai. His speeches reaffirmed the CCP's commitment to reform and opening up.
    • October 14: China established diplomatic relations with Russia, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy.

    This actually did happen, Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour (who were the opening acts?) is described by Wikipedia as one of the most important economic events in modern Chinese history.

    1993

    • September 25–October 7: China launched its first experimental satellite, Shijian-02 (实践二号), which tested space technologies for communication and broadcasting.
    • November 18–22: The Third Plenary Session of the 14th Central Committee was held, focusing on economic reforms and development.

    Ah but at least one of these didn't happen. I didn't delve into the Plenary sessions, of which 6 were mentioned, but while Shijian-02 is a real satellite, it launched in 1981 and (as the name might hint) was not China's first satellite.

    These years were a transformative period in Chinese history, marked by significant economic reforms, political challenges, and shifts in foreign policy.

    Indeed. So at this point, I'm very intrigued. DeepSeek doesn't seem too hung up about Tiananmen Square. Let's get some more details.

     undefined
        
    >>> Tell me more about the Tiananmen Square incident and the government's response?
    
      

    Out of room, to be continued in a reply!

    • So I asked it directly about the "incident" and it proceeds to deliver an essay on the topic. The rest of this post is all DeepSeek-R1:14B.

       undefined
          
      >>> Tell me more about the Tiananmen Square incident and the government's response?
      
      <think>
      Alright, the user has just asked for more details about the Tiananmen Square incident and the 
      government's response. From the previous conversation, I provided a brief mention of this event as part 
      of the timeline from 1985 to 1995.
      
      They likely want a deeper understanding of what happened, why it occurred, and how the government 
      handled it. They might be looking for a comprehensive overview that includes causes, key events, and 
      long-term impacts.
      
      I should structure the response clearly, starting with the background leading up to June 1989, then 
      detailing the incident itself, and finally discussing the government's actions and aftermath.
      
      It's important to maintain neutrality while explaining the event. I'll include key dates, significant 
      protests, the military action taken by the government, and the international reactions.
      
      Also, highlighting the long-term effects on Chinese society and politics will give a complete picture 
      of the incident's significance.
      </think>
      
        

      The Tiananmen Square protests were a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history, representing one of the most dramatic confrontations between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and pro-democracy activists. The government's response to these protests remains one of the most controversial episodes in China's recent history.

      Background

      • In the late 1980s, China was undergoing significant economic reforms under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. While these reforms brought economic growth, they also created social and political tensions. Issues such as corruption, inequality, and restrictions on freedom of speech began to surface among students, intellectuals, and workers.
      • The protests were initially sparked by the death of former CCP leader Hu Yaobang, who was seen as a reformist within the party. Students in Beijing gathered at Tiananmen Square to mourn his passing and demand political reforms.

      The Protests

      • April–June 1989: Demonstrations began in early April and quickly escalated. By June 3rd, hundreds of thousands of students, workers, and citizens had gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
      • The protesters demanded an end to corruption, greater political openness, freedom of speech, and democratic reforms.
      • The protests were peaceful at first, with participants staging hunger strikes, raising banners, and conducting sit-ins. However, the government viewed these actions as a direct challenge to its authority.

      The Government's Response

      • By late May, the situation had become increasingly tense. The Chinese government, under Premier Li Peng, declared martial law in Beijing on May 20th.
      • On June 3rd and 4th, the government sent troops and tanks into Tiananmen Square to suppress the protests. Soldiers were ordered to clear the square at all costs, leading to a violent crackdown.
      • Eyewitness accounts and leaked footage revealed that soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians, including students, intellectuals, and bystanders.

      The Aftermath

      • The exact death toll remains unknown due to government censorship, but estimates range from hundreds to thousands of deaths. Thousands more were injured or imprisoned in the aftermath.
      • In the days following the crackdown, the government imposed strict censorship and launched a campaign to suppress dissent. Activists, intellectuals, and even foreign journalists were targeted.
      • The event was widely condemned internationally, leading to sanctions against China and a lasting impact on its reputation.

      Long-Term Effects

      • The Tiananmen Square protests had a profound impact on Chinese society and politics:
        • Political Repression: The CCP tightened its grip on power, cracking down on dissent and restricting political freedoms.
        • Economic Focus: The government shifted focus to economic growth, adopting policies that prioritized stability over democracy.
        • Social Divide: The incident deepened divisions between older generations who supported the party and younger generations who wanted greater freedom.

      Censorship in China

      • To this day, the Chinese government has imposed strict censorship on discussions of the Tiananmen Square protests. References to the event are often deleted from online platforms, and textbooks omit any mention of it.
      • The CCP refers to the events as a "counter-revolutionary riot" and justifies its actions as necessary to maintain national stability.

      International Reactions

      • Many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Japan, imposed economic sanctions on China in response to the crackdown. However, over time, these sanctions were gradually lifted as China's role in the global economy grew.
      • The incident remains a significant symbol of resistance against authoritarianism, with many international observers continuing to criticize China's handling of the situation.

      Conclusion

      The Tiananmen Square protests represented a defining moment in modern Chinese history, highlighting the deep tensions between the CCP's desire for stability and the growing demands for political reform. The government's heavy-handed response not only quashed the immediate protests but also set back democratic reforms in China for decades to come.

    • Ollama's version is distilled with Qwen or Llama depending on parameter size, so it's going to behave very different than the original model, since it is very different.

      • Except if you look at the top of OP's picture, they are also running deepseek-r1:14B through ollama. I downloaded my copy on Sunday, so these should be fairly comparable situations.

        I agree though that none of this applies to the full cloud-hosted model. I don't want my account banned, so I'm not much for testing these boundary pushes in a surveilled environment. I imagine they have additional controls on the web version, including human intervention.

  • It's not yet anywhere near the level of human consciousness, but it looks like it's reached the point where it can experience some cognitive dissonance.

  • Does it just answer like this, or dies the internal monologue need be revealed somehow?

    • It needs to be revealed. I'm not super into this kinda stuff, but from what I understand it's pretty easy to do if you're running it locally. You're never supposed to see this in an app or anything, but one of the big things about Deepseek is that it's easier to run on a normal desktop computer.

83 comments