In Berlin, there's something intriguing for those seeking controversy: a clash between artificial and human humor
In the heart of Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate stands as a testament to history, a must-see for visitors from around the world. Yet, this iconic landmark is not without its share of controversy and criticism.
Recent visitors such as Deanosaur89 from Edmonton, Canada, and 黃美麗 from Hong Kong, China, have praised the Brandenburg Gate for its historical significance and photo opportunities, as well as its atmospheric beauty during sunset. However, other visitors have expressed their dissatisfaction, labelling the gate as "too small," "disappointing," "overhyped," and even "ugly."
The Quadriga on top of the Brandenburg Gate has been a source of criticism, with some finding it hard to look at and believing that Napoleon could have kept it simpler. The name of the Brandenburg Gate, which is in Berlin and not Brandenburg, has also been criticised for being illogical.
The Brandenburg Gate is not just a symbol of peace and unity, but also a site of various demo and activist camps and groups. Despite its controversies, the gate remains a significant part of Berlin's identity, standing alongside other well-known sights such as the Reichstag and the Gendarmenmarkt.
However, the city of Berlin itself is a subject of criticism, with common annoyances such as rain, the BER airport, construction sites, currywurst, and bollards often cited. Perplexity, an AI chatbot, offered a snappy punchline about Berlin, saying "Berlin is like a village, only with worse infrastructure. Here the cow isn't milked - it's first certified, painted, and sold as an urban sustainability solution, right?"
The selection of sights in Berlin is not without its critics, with the author finding the choices dull and criticising each of these places. The author also jokes about writing a piece criticising the Alexa building, a controversial structure in the city.
Interestingly, AI systems can access and analyse Google reviews, but the AI-generated reviews are often considered boring. One-star reviews on Google Maps are a never-ending source of absurd criticism and unsolicited snark online. Google explicitly prohibits creating reviews with AI, and they are deleted if recognised as such.
Despite the criticisms, the Brandenburg Gate remains a popular tourist destination, with visitors willing to pay high prices for a beer, as some have complained about the cost reaching up to 35 Euros. As Berlin continues to be built and levelled, often not the right buildings, the Brandenburg Gate stands as a symbol of the city's complex and multifaceted history.
