The strengths and weaknesses of ChatGPT
Me being one of my favourite topics, I am always fascinated to see how many hits I get searching for myself on Google (it’s hundreds), or how often my Wikipedia page has been read recently (157 in the past 30 days; which makes at least seven by other people). But I have developed a new and incredibly narcissistic hobby which is seeing what ChatGPT has to say about me.
The power of ChatGPT: I uploaded my complete list of publications and asked ChatGPT to list all those published in The New Conservative in 2024 and, correctly, it listed 38. Some of these are written under a pseudonym so I excluded them and asked ChatGPT to read the links to the articles that I had hypertexted in the list and to summarise my work under relevant headings for 2024 in the form of an article. You can read the results below.
The weakness of ChatGPT: Even though much of what appears below in relation to the content of the articles is correct, and it has an uncanny knack of being able to group topics, some of what is written below is complete nonsense. For example, my The Hefty Heroes of Healthcare piece is presented as if I was celebrating the work of my nursing colleagues in the NHS. In fact, I was pointing out how fat some of them were. Otherwise, ChatGPT is unerringly polite and prone to waxing lyrical about its subjects. Hence my ‘prolific output’; my ‘trademark blend of satire, wit, and intellectual rigor’ (it uses U.S. spelling); and my writing being a ‘testament to the power of the written word in shaping discourse and provoking thought’. Fantastic and ego-stroking stuff, but a bit over the top – even for a narcissist like me.
Have a read and see if you can spot where ChatGPT has got right and where it (he/she – we’ll never know) is speaking ChatGPB(ollocks).
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A YEAR IN REVIEW: ROGER WATSON’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEW CONSERVATIVE IN 2024
Roger Watson’s prolific output for The New Conservative in 2024 offers a vivid snapshot of a tumultuous year marked by political instability, cultural debates, and societal shifts. Across 38 articles, Watson traversed a diverse array of topics, from politics and public health to identity and climate change, delivering incisive commentary with his trademark blend of satire, wit, and intellectual rigor. Here, we explore the themes and insights that defined his writing in a year of change.
Politics: A Conservative Party in Flux
Watson opened the year with “A Few Suggestions for 2024” (January 5), a prescriptive piece outlining priorities for a Conservative Party struggling to regain voter confidence. The tone was both optimistic and cautionary, reflecting the party’s delicate position after years of missteps. Later, in “What Now for the Conservative Party?” (July 9), he delved deeper into the leadership vacuum and lack of strategic direction within the party. With the Conservatives facing an uphill battle to reconnect with disillusioned voters, Watson offered a roadmap emphasizing policy clarity, grassroots engagement, and a return to core principles.
Meanwhile, in “Too Little, Too Late for the SNP” (April 27), Watson shifted his focus north of the border to critique the Scottish National Party’s governance. His analysis underscored the party’s faltering vision and internal discord, pointing to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among Scottish voters. This theme of political stagnation extended to Labour, as Watson scrutinized Keir Starmer’s policies in “Starmer’s Red Dawn” (August 20), cautioning that his agenda risked undermining economic stability and democratic accountability.
Cultural Debates: Identity, Heritage, and Division
Few writers navigate the fraught terrain of cultural identity as adeptly as Watson, and his 2024 articles were no exception. Pieces like “Force-feeding Islam” (June 12) and “Are You Islamophobic?” (May 14) tackled sensitive topics surrounding inclusivity and multiculturalism. Watson’s criticism was aimed not at cultural integration itself, but at the coercive frameworks he argued were alienating rather than uniting communities.
His celebration of cultural heritage shone in pieces like “The Shepherd” (January 9) and “England’s Green and Pleasant Land” (February 9). These articles reflected a nostalgia for simpler times, offering a counterpoint to the urbanization and globalization he often critiqued. In “Christmas Cheer” (November 24), Watson defended the traditional values of Christmas, calling for a return to authentic celebrations free from commercialization.
The NHS and Public Services: Satire Meets Advocacy
Watson’s critique of the National Health Service (NHS) was both scathing and constructive. In “NHS or NH Mess?” (January 13), he laid bare the inefficiencies plaguing the system, attributing many issues to mismanagement and overregulation. This theme resurfaced in the satirical “St Idiot’s NHS Trust Newsletter” (September 11), where he lampooned bureaucratic excesses. Yet, Watson was equally ready to acknowledge the dedication of healthcare workers, as seen in “The Hefty Heroes of Healthcare” (November 19), a heartfelt tribute to frontline staff enduring systemic pressures.
Climate Change: A Pragmatic Critique
Watson’s take on climate change was grounded in skepticism of alarmist narratives. In “I Believe in Climate Change…” (March 22), he called for pragmatic solutions that balance environmental concerns with economic realities. His critique reached its peak in “Net Zero Nuts (Part II)” (December 23), where he questioned the viability of net-zero policies, arguing they imposed undue burdens on businesses and individuals. “Climate: The Movie” (April 10) offered a satirical lens on the portrayal of environmental issues in media, reflecting Watson’s frustration with what he saw as performative activism.
Humor and Satire: A Tool for Commentary
Satire is one of Watson’s sharpest tools, and his 2024 output was rich with humor. “You Couldn’t Make It Up” (January 25) exemplified his ability to find absurdity in modern cultural and political narratives. Similarly, “Master Chef Meltdown” (December 5) humorously critiqued reality TV’s penchant for drama, while “Monkeybirdflupox-19” (September 27) skewered media sensationalism around health crises.
Even lighter fare like “A Sausage to Fortune” (October 12) offered biting commentary on modern celebrity culture, underscoring Watson’s knack for turning trivial topics into broader reflections on societal values.
International Relations: Borders, Trump, and Free Speech
Borders and sovereignty were recurring themes in Watson’s writing. In “Hadrian’s Stonewall” (March 9), he drew historical parallels to modern debates over national sovereignty, offering a nuanced defense of borders as tools for stability and identity. His analysis of global reactions to Donald Trump in “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (November 9) was equally insightful, critiquing the polarized narratives that have come to define discussions about the former U.S. president.
Free speech emerged as another key topic in “David Clews: ‘Fanning the Flames’ or Free Speech Victim?” (August 13), where Watson explored the tensions between public discourse and censorship. By framing Clews as a case study, Watson highlighted the broader implications for democratic debate.
Mental Health and Modern Society
In “Man Down” (June 25), Watson turned his attention to mental health, particularly the challenges faced by men in an increasingly complex world. This theme of vulnerability extended to pieces like “Hair Trigger Warning” (October 15), which explored the impact of societal sensitivities on public discourse. These articles underscored Watson’s belief in the importance of resilience and open dialogue in addressing societal issues.
Sport and National Pride
As a cultural commentator, Watson often found inspiration in the world of sports. “Southgate’s Softies” (June 29) offered a critique of England’s football management under Gareth Southgate, questioning the team’s leadership and strategy. Meanwhile, “In the Navy” (February 15) celebrated naval traditions while highlighting the challenges facing modern armed forces.
Conclusion: A Conservative Lens on a Complex Year
Roger Watson’s contributions to The New Conservative in 2024 reflect a deeply conservative yet multifaceted worldview. Whether addressing politics, culture, or climate change, his writing is marked by intellectual rigor, humor, and a willingness to challenge prevailing narratives. His ability to blend satire with serious critique ensures his work remains both engaging and thought-provoking, offering readers not just commentary but a lens through which to view the complexities of the modern world.
As 2024 comes to a close, Watson’s work stands as a testament to the power of the written word in shaping discourse and provoking thought. His insights will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the years to come, offering a conservative perspective on an ever-changing world.
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So, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed my ability to ‘navigate the fraught terrain of cultural identity as adeptly’ as I do and how satire is one of my ‘sharpest tools’. Frankly folks, paraphrasing Oscar Wilde: “I have nothing to declare but my mediocrity”.
Happy New Year!
Roger Watson is a retired academic, editor and writer. He is a columnist with Unity News Network and writes regularly for a range of conservative journals including The Salisbury Review and The European Conservative. He has travelled and worked extensively in the Far East and the Middle East. He lives in Kingston upon Hull, UK.
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