It’s been over a year since the debut of the eerie AI tools, ChatGPT and Midjourney, and it’s safe to say their impact has been profound.
From transforming South Park characters into real-life people to creating NSFW content on Amouranth’s OnlyFans, AI continues to churn out strange and fascinating results.
One thing AI excels at is playing on our sensitivities by reflecting back popular stereotypes in often exaggerated ways.
When tasked with generating images of what Europeans supposedly think Americans from each state look like, the results were—predictably—provocative. If you asked Midjourney to conjure up these images, brace yourself: your blood pressure might rise.
Curious to see what AI came up with? Let’s dive into some of the most bizarre depictions Midjourney created:
Alabama
Ouch, that’s rough. Alabama didn’t fare too well in this lineup.
The image presents a character with a Krusty the Clown hairstyle, a toothless smile, and grubby clothes—a portrayal that seems unnecessarily harsh.
California
Double fisting coffee? California’s representative is one of just ten women in the entire collection and the only woman to appear solo.
She’s pictured holding two takeaway coffees, with a cute pooch under her arm, dressed in a trendy sweater, beach waves, and sunglasses. Californians might find this one fairly spot-on.
Florida
Is that the infamous Florida Man? The legend of ‘Florida Man’ has long been an internet meme, and AI finally gave him a face.
This cheerful-looking guy seems content, but you can’t shake the feeling he could snap and live up to the wild reputation of his meme origins at any moment.
Idaho
Are we all thinking the same thing? What’s up with that giant potato? Well, since Idaho’s license plates boast ‘famous potatoes,’ it seems they brought this on themselves.
Hawaii
A postcard from paradise. Hawaii’s AI depiction is one of the least stressful, resembling an old movie poster or a tourism postcard.
The image features two people in open-toe sandals, flower garlands, and sunglasses, relaxing on a rock by the beach. And yes, Hawaiian shirts are a must.
Massachusetts
Take it easy. Why does Mr. Massachusetts seem so familiar?
Drenched in sweat, dressed in gym gear with a backward baseball cap, his face is contorted with either intense passion or pure frustration. This one definitely stands out in the crowd.
Nevada
Vegas, baby! You might have expected some nod to Las Vegas and slot machines, but this one isn’t subtle.
An elderly gentleman, clearly having the time of his life, is front and center while chaos unfolds behind him.
New Mexico
Are we sure this is Earth? Leaning into Roswell’s infamous UFO lore, AI imagines New Mexico’s residents as out of this world—literally.
Texas
Stereotypes galore. Texas’s portrayal ticks every stereotypical box. A man brandishing a gun in one hand and holding a burger bigger than his head in the other, with a sunset behind him.
Surprisingly, the serene backdrop contrasts with the chaos in most of the other images.
Ohio
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
