One of the news services I subscribe to had a story on oil companies destroying Nigeria, and how the gusher in the Gulf pales in comparison to what has happened there. Recently I heard the situation in the Gulf described as "the worst in U.S. history, and wondered how it compared to others around the world. The news is not good.
How do we change this? The divide between the ultra-rich and even the middle class has become so wide that, even though they are greatly outnumbered, the rich control the message and the capital. And they control the message to the extent that, even though he knows they are evil, the little guy still trusts the big companies that drive our economic system and believes what's best for business is best for all. The big companies can stomp on the livelihoods to pump up the portfolios of the stockholders, and thereby their own worth.
How did we get to this point in human culture? The problems are so deep and extensive, I can't even begin to think about solutions. All I can come up with is wanting less, but so many are convinced that our happiness lies in having more material things that I'm not sure those of us who get it can take an economic bite out of big business. We're afraid of promoting local food because it might upset Wal-Mart. And exposing the large corporations for the evil entities they are is likely to be fruitless as well, because they can manipulate the message to make themselves look good.
Disclaimer: Don't read beyond this point if you are uncomfortable with reading something that might be considered "socialistic".
I don't know what to do with this, and I thought it might be a place to start the conversation: how do we make things better? How do we fight the battle against huge corporations that aren't bothered by trampling whatever stands in the way? What are the main factors driving this situation? How do you fight back against a much, much, MUCH more powerful adversary? What tools that can be used against unquestioning acceptance of rampant capitalism, misinformation, and overwhelming amounts of money and capital?
2 comments:
First of all, great post. You pose some important (and complex) questions that I will need to think on and possibly get back to you on.
In the mean time, come on! Fords aren't crap! :o)
Good point about Fords. I even rock the Adidas, occasionally. I hope the corporate logos are seen merely as symbols of the greater problem, and not necessarily as their specific companies. I would have been happier if it had just been Wal-Mart!
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