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The corporations are not the problem here, it would be much simpler if they were. Elected and appointed government officials seem to have a strong desire to cr
by nickff 12y ago
The corporations are not the problem here, it would be much simpler if they were. Elected and appointed government officials seem to have a strong desire to create their vision of a pleasant and orderly society, whatever the costs. These people generally appear to believe that so long as 'enlightened' people (such as themselves) are in charge, nothing bad can result.
- themartorana 12y agoI think it's quite interesting that - perhaps to my tinfoil-hat side - we're ending up somewhere between Orwell and Huxley. - Orwell feared the truth would be actively concealed. Check. - Huxley feared distractions would be so great that no one (or very few people) would care to seek the truth. Check. - Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Check. - Huxley feared we would become obsessed with consumerism and preoccupied with distraction. Check. - Orwell assumed we would be controlled by inflicting pain. Check (foreign policy). - Huxley assumed we would be controlled by inflicting pleasure. Check (domestic news cycle, reality TV, lack of education.) Both had valid points and we're seeing both approaches being used. So where we end up, I have no idea... where we are isn't great. Talking points from this great comic strip: "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Stuart McMillen, from 2009: http://flycl.ps/SXHdFP http://flycl.ps/SXHdFP Edit: formatting.
- GHFigs 12y agothis great comic strip Talking points from this great book: "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman, from 1985: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amusing_ourselves_to_death http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amusing_ourselves_to_death
- MaysonL 12y agoNot to speak of perpetual war... [1984] And divide and conquer politics [Animal Farm]