Comments on: Autonomy continued: Technology or Capitalism?

By: Protest Dreams » Cyborgology

Protest Dreams » Cyborgology — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:02:31 +0000

[…] this here because “Killing Them Softly” demonstrates a theme I’ve written about in this space: the symbiotic relationship between capitalism and technology. It also demonstrates the […]

By: Doug Hill

Doug Hill — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:32:42 +0000

Thanks, Josh. I think the answer to the your question is that people don’t necessarily think through these decisions in the logical way you’re suggesting. In fact the partnership of technology and capitalism uses advertising, among other techniques, to encourage people NOT to logically think through these decisions. And let’s face it, these products do satisfy certain needs and appetites. Driving an SUV (I’m told) provides a sense of superiority, power, safety and comfort; eating sugared foods provides an immediate sense of satisfaction and comfort. Keith Bradsher’s book on SUVs has wonderful stuff on how SUVs are intentionally designed to appeal to people who are afraid — he quotes one designer who says that if he could have put a machine gun on the roof, he would have. And I don’t know about you, but the appeal of a big bowl of ice cream when I’m feeling down is a temptation I sometimes find hard to resist! The irony, of course, is that these products serve in the end to increase the very insecurities they ostensibly allay.

By: Josh Morris

Josh Morris — Thu, 31 May 2012 05:24:04 +0000

Intesrting article, Doug. I think one of the biggest questions that pops up in my mind is why people purposefully fool themselves for the sake of capitalism and/or technology; (i.e.) why do they continue to buy the SUV when it is not only the least environmentally-friendly vehicle, but will also kill their wallets due to gas prices? and why will they continue to allow themselves to believe that super-sugary foods are healthy because they have a “good source of Vitamin D”?