Eutrapelian LandMinds
Radicalization of Debate
The only thing shocking about the recent murder of the Kansas abortionist is that it hadn't happened sooner, and that a greater number of similar incidents hadn't occurred previously. The removal of explosive issues from the political arena via judicial fiat, followed by the demonization and marginalization of one side of the still-festering culture wars, inevitably results in the radicalization of debate. The radicalization produces, first a crisis of legitimacy for our political institutions, then a slippage by dead-end forms of activism, a heightened sense of polarization, and finally even terror.
(Published in THE GALENA GAZETTE, 6/17/09)
Our Culture of Violence
In his important book, "Advertising, The Uneasy Persuasion: Its Dubious Impact on American Society," Michael Schudson argues that the correlation of ads and resulting consumer purchase is more myth than hit; instead, advertising should be regarded as a form of "capitalist realism," as a signifier of the "culture of consumption" that advertising simultaneously propagates and simulates, selling consumers less on a particular item but much more on "the purchase of happiness."
Advertising, then, might be regarded as capitalism's way of "saying 'I love you' to itself."
In our continuing willingness to resolve international problems with "surges" and the like; in our increasing desire to end "unplanned pregnancies" with abortions; and in our quick fixes for wildlife "nuisances" via culling--one might find room to argue that the recent mass-shooting in Florida is yet one more example of our culture of violence saying "I love you" to itself.
(Originally published in THE FREEPORT JOURNAL STANDARD)
Green Economics
In nearly every discussion regarding global warming and the struggle to save the planet from ourselves and for ourselves, the subject of "class" is either neglected or dutifully ignored. The urban "hip-oisie" of left-leaning academics and like-minded professionals can afford the (dubious) green alternative to Walmart, et. al., along with whatever punitive measures imposed or levied by local, state or federal authorities and bureaucracies to "goad green." While clever or rogue elements of the lower classes find ways to beat the system at its own game, most continue to be penalized, in one form or another, for failing to adopt "environmentally-friendly" lifestyles. Better to fine the smoker or litter bug in the trailer court than fight to close an offending factory or farm. The former activity provides solace; the latter much grief.
"If right and wrong lose their names, force is all that's left, and in a world run by force, the rich will be rewarded for their vices every bit as conscientiously as the poor will be punished for their virtues." --E. Michael Jones, Culture Wars
(Published by The Freeport Journal Standard, but not by the Galena Gazette, who wanted to edit it before doing so.)
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