Yesterday, I was at the hospital taking "remicade" and I sat next to an old lady who was told by a doctor that her life was in danger and that she would have to spend a few days there. She immediately panicked, worrying about her husband who she claimed would have no one to care and cook for him, even though he was a capable and healthy adult who drove her to the hospital. This reminded me of a conversation I had with my mother a few days prior, where she had mentioned that she had already cleaned the entire house and prepared my father's meals, and didn't know what to do with her time.
At first glance, this article may appear to be repetitive, but unfortunately, repetition is necessary. As I look around the world today, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. It seems that everywhere I turn, there are signs of environmental and social decay, of a world spinning out of control, and yet, most people seem to be worried about trivial things such as getting a new trendy haircut, buying a $200 t-shirt, having babies, or purchasing a house. Trivial bullshit. The supression of basic needs has become people's greatest goal.
In today's society, consumerism has become a dominant force that drives people to prioritize material possessions and superficial pleasures above all else. As a result, people have become increasingly shallow, valuing things that are trivial and fleeting over more meaningful aspects of life. The constant bombardment of media and advertising encourages this mentality, as people are made to believe that their worth is tied to what they own and how they look. This obsession with consumerism and superficiality is ultimately harmful, leading to a society that is focused on image rather than substance, and where individualism and self-interest are prioritized over the collective good.
Some people may argue that this behavior is normal for the aforementioned generation, the boomers and the jones, but I believe that capitalism has turned people into automatons, slaves who are unable to think for themselves and do anything unless a master commands them. As Herbert Marcuse called them, "One dimensional men". The problems arising from capitalism are so many and so painstakingly obvious that it shouldn't be necessary to point them out. A society that prioritizes the accumulation of capital and the maximization of profits over social and environmental well-being can never function properly. This focus on profit can lead to a decrease in the quality of public services, a decrease in critical thinking and awareness among the public, and an increase in greed and individualism, exacerbating social and environmental problems.
Capitalism is a system based on competition and individualism rather than cooperation and community, leading to social fragmentation, political polarization, and the breakdown of social institutions such as families and communities. Environmental degradation is one of the most pressing challenges we face today, with climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other environmental problems being the result of an economic system that prioritizes growth and profit over sustainability and stewardship. Capitalism incentivizes individuals and corporations to exploit natural resources for profit, without regard for the long-term consequences, and we should be panicking about it.
Passivity is another problem inherent to capitalism, with capitalism encouraging individuals to consume rather than engage critically with the world around them. This can lead to a lack of awareness and critical thinking among the public, contributing to environmental degradation, social fragmentation, and political polarization. The media, which is largely owned by corporations, reinforces this passivity by presenting a narrow range of viewpoints and promoting consumerism over critical engagement. They are more concerned with generating clicks and views than with promoting accurate and nuanced reporting, leading to the rise of clickbait headlines, misleading information, and the promotion of extreme views and conspiracy theories.
In this environment, critical thinking and informed engagement are difficult, and people are easily swayed by simplistic slogans and soundbites. This problem has been exacerbated by the rise of sensationalist media and political propaganda. Additionally, forms of content that prioritize emotional reactions over critical thinking and thoughtful analysis, such as memes, video games, music, films, reels, and social media posts, can be problematic when consumed in mass. While instant gratification content can be enjoyable in the short-term, it can have negative long-term effects on our mental health and well-being, such as anxiety and depression and contribute to a culture of impulsivity and reactiveness, which is not beneficial to society in the long run, which is proven correct by the rise of mental health problems and society's fragmentation.
In conclusion, we must realize that we are facing serious environmental and social problems that require immediate action. We cannot continue to ignore the consequences of our actions, and we must start prioritizing sustainability and stewardship over profit and individual gain. It's time for us to recognize that we are all connected and that our actions have an impact on the planet and on each other. We need to shift our focus from short-term gains to long-term solutions that benefit everyone. This means making changes to our daily lives, supporting policies that promote sustainability, and holding corporations accountable for their actions. The role of the United States in global capitalism cannot be ignored. The country has been the driving force behind many of the economic policies and systems that have been adopted worldwide. Known for its history of colonialism, exploitation, and oppression of marginalized communities both domestically and abroad. The country's pursuit of profit and individual gain has often come at the expense of others. From the exploitation of Native American lands to the forced labor of African slaves to the current global economic inequality, the USA has a dark history and as it currently implodes and loses it's sit on the world's throne, is leading us into a worst future. As we work towards creating a new system that prioritizes sustainability and stewardship, we must also acknowledge and address the role that the USA has played in perpetuating the current state of affairs.
We need to invest in renewable energy, reduce waste, protect wildlife and their habitats, and work towards a more equitable and just society. It won't be easy, but it's necessary if we want to create a future that is livable for generations to come. A circular economy, that prioritizes resource efficiency and waste reduction could work, as it involves reusing and recycling materials and products to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Looking at south American tribes for inspiration, such as the Kogi people in Columbia or the Ashaninka in Peru shows us that it is perhaps possible to create a sustainable and prosperous system. Nevertheless, this is idealistic thinking and deep down i know we will instead continue to "netflix and chill" until the end of times, which won't be far away.
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