Jun 3, 2008

so exactly what's wrong with endgame capitalism?

The question of what is wrong with contemporary state democratic media capitalism is not as easy as it might seem, given that the system endless spills out regional injustices. But on what grounds do we look, not for reforms, but beyond the system as a whole, especially since it does indeed produce unprecedented comfort, health, and pleasure to the population?
I'd suggest beginning by thinking about capitalism's enduring unacceptable structural failures under three abstract rubrics, that is, its production of:
1) insecurity
This needs no explanation, everyone know how insecurity gnaws away our society, spoiling its benefits. It is the dark side (the 'experienced' side in Blakean terms) of opportunity, enterprise and freedom of choice. And it cannot be reformed away.
2) invisibility
The market-orientated media dazzle and blind. Whole zones of pain and neglect lie out of view for the general public. In the blindness the media cause, suffering and injustice fester without final remedy.
3) stupefaction.
This is the most problematic of these three categories. The basic thought is not just that endgame capitalism is selective in it what brings to view, but that it relies on bedazzled stupidity and ignorance to continue under its current form and that a good society must be one committed not just to justice but to intelligence.