More statistical name-calling

I have spent the last 12 years becoming well-acquainted with statistics, and yet I am still flummoxed by what others could possibly mean when they say "statistical analysis." It's either a magic box that solves everything, or a divining rod imbued by witchcraft.

Here is an article where it appears to be the second. A long interview with linguist Noam Chomsky on AI and "big data".

( Can someone tell me what is this black magic? )