Don’t Say We Can’t Go Back
The technological world is upon us. Big corporations, big business, big government have risen. And we, individuals and communities, podcasters and commentators, insist a complete technological and corporate takeover is inevitable. “1984” is inevitable. “Brave New World” is inevitable. It’s all inevitable and we say we can never go back. But I’d like us to be more honest — it’s not that we cannot go back, it’s that we don’t want to go back. It’s not that we can’t return to a life less technologically complicated or effect change in our everyday decisions, it’s that we aren’t willing to.
Last year there was a documentary released on Netflix, “The Social Dilemma.” It told us, or it confirmed for us rather, what we already should have known about the internet and social media. They intentionally divide us along social and political lines. Last year also revealed the power these tech giants wield in controlling information and squashing dissent. Many were outraged in both respects, but not outraged enough to delete Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. Is all of it simply “inevitable?”
Many enjoy talking about the evils of Amazon, their business model and their horrific treatment of workers. We’re always outranged and somehowstill surprised every time another article outlines the same story we’ve known for years now. Do we cancel our subscriptions? No, we willingly participate in their conquest. So, again, in the interest of honesty, please don’t say you’re bothered by Amazon. Don’t chastise Jeff. Or blame the issue on politicians’ inaction. You’d rather get your groceries in two hours. And I’m fine with that, that’s your choice. Just be honest and say it with me, “I love Amazon.”
Supporting small business is another phrase we use. It’s the language that’s popular. Even among liberals, the through line is support female-owned businesses, black-owned businesses, LGBTQ-owned businesses. But Starbucks always satisfies, no?
I’m reminded of working landscaping one summer in the ultra-rich white liberal neighborhood of Potomac, Maryland. Every other week we’d spray their sprawling yards with the herbicide Roundup. I always chuckled because my boss would tell me about the dangers of the pesticide while simultaneously spraying it everywhere. We don’t need a PhD to tell us how these chemicals might negatively affect soil, critters, and the surrounding environment. What’s my point? Most of our clients loved talking about their passion for the environment — a passion that doesn’t outweigh the need for an immaculate lawn.
If you think I’m oversimplifying, you might be right. But my premise isn’t complicated. I’d just like people to be more honest. Without our consumerism, corporations would have to adapt. Without our support, they’d have to change. And I understand, we live in a world where we’ve disassociated ourselves from the means in which every product reaches the marketplace; we’ve successfully taken our participation and responsibility out of the equation. Just please don’t pretend like you aren’t enjoying it.
