It is a somewhat common misconception, among average Americans at least, that democracy and capitalism are somehow inexorably linked.  It’s all an interesting subject especially now, as our (quasi) democratic, capitalist country is having some little troubles with debt (quick summary here).

Ignorance is a problem.  The debt crisis is out of control but if you ask ten people about it, eight won’t even have a basic idea of what’s going on.  Why are we in this shit?  It’s not because of corrupt politicians.  It’s because we’re surrounded by too many immature, uneducated morons who care only about instant gratification, pop culture entertainment, and themselves in the most infantile sense.  Look at the expansion of Walmart.  Without mass active participation, there wouldn’t be a giant ugly box that swallows all local diversity, and the local economy, in exchange for shitty quality products at the cheapest prices, while building a bastion of slave labor locally and globally.  Giving Bank of America your business, driving vehicles that get 20mpg, eating at McDonalds.  It’s a vote cast to the powers that create your problems.  Patting the people who fuck up your life on the back, letting them know that you’re ok with where they’re taking you.

There is something about every country’s cultural DNA that defines it.  Compare Germany to Greece.  Japan to Mexico.  There are such glaring common difference that define and shape the population to create their identity and if you zoom out enough, clearly defines their fate.  Maybe I’m being a bit harsh, but ignorance and entitlement seem to be the dominant cultural drivers of the U.S.

Here is Slavoj Zizek, one of my favorite contemporary philosophers, throwing around big picture ideas about where things are headed.  I’m not claiming to agree, but it’s thought provoking – especially if you follow global politics at all. If you’ve never seem him speak, it’s not as immediately captivating as his writing, but worth a look nonetheless.

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