This chapter provides two practical frameworks for navigating the pervasive hype surrounding generative AI (GenAI). The first is a consumer handbook for critically reading AI-related news and press releases, urging skepticism toward unsubstantiated skill claims, proprietary benchmark scores, and “demo-ware,” while prioritizing independent third-party review. The second framework introduces “GenAIuflecting” – the unwarranted deference governments show to AI companies – and offers practical tests (the evidence, substitution, beneficiary, accountability, and precedent tests) to identify and resist policy proposals that favor corporate profit over public interest. Ultimately, the chapter argues that the true stakes are not winning an “AI race,” but securing democratic control over technology’s role in society.