Journal of the mental environment
“It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”
The First Step in Rethinking Capitalism
How Blackspot intends to change the system.
- Wed, 07 May 2008 2:32 pm — Posted by Lauren
- | 6 comments
Photo by: Nic Price
From modest, regional beginnings, capitalism has evolved into a mighty global system dominated by a handful of huge corporations. The goal of Blackspot is to start reversing this trend, to use our wealth to support local and small business, and to replace commercial fashion with a genuine, grassroots sense of cool.
It’s a big undertaking. With Blackspot Shoes we’ve demonstrated that it can be done, but it’s about much more than shoes. One of our primary goals from the beginning has been to engage in a meaningful dialogue with readers and Blackspot customers about the philosophy and strategy behind this unusual brand. Adbusters’ new website has provided us with the tools to do a better job of that. This new blog is a first step in that direction.
It’s time to rethink capitalism, so let’s get to it. Please join in the discussion.
Comments
Hi,
Love the idea of the Blackspot shoes, but don't really like the shoes - the red spot just looks weird, as does the "anti logo". Remove both of those and just have a plain, nice, converse-like shoe, in lots of different colours not just black, and you guys could be the "American Apparel" (minus the pornographic ads) of shoes and be a real challenge to Nike. Keep at it!
Yes, capitalism needs to be rethought. In the United States the average consumer has been trained to look for the lowest price and ignore the harsh realities such as sweatshop labor, unfair trade practices and only now, U.S. workers are becoming aware of the effect that exporting jobs has on our own economy and livelihood. I think, given the chance, Americans would pay a little more to buy products that were produced by U.S. workers.
This is my suggested start point
Wednesdays off
Everything stops on a wednesday.
Only basic emergency services work
You dont have bread, forgot to buy milk? Tough
Consume less work less. Wednesdays are the like the old sundays, nothing to do but stay home relax, read a book, catch up on sleep, play cards, water the garden.
Communicate with your neigbours.
Capitalism will exist untill the ice caps melt and ww.. um 4? Kill us off. and even then people will barter. But todays unchecked capitalist ways selling us a shampoo that protects nourishes and asists in attracting the opposite sex is nonsence. We have come so far but achived very little because we are no 'happier' that they were in the 1800's.
Wednesdays off. lets downsize our lives
I really enjoyed your suggestion. Re-evaluating how much we work can help us rethink the priority money has in our lives. You may be interested in my post about is working fewer hours and longer vacations a good place to start rethinking capitalism?
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Lauren
Asst. Campaigns Manager
I had to thank your organization personally for the hard and complicated work you've been invovled with for some time now. Growing up in a commercial setting, to say the least, is difficult and frustrating, especially on children who are the most impressionable and unsure. In this day and age all people of all nations have to make ethical decisions in every aspect of life for the better of the whole, its as simple as that. Through education, and verbal communication, we're all able to connect to see the changes around us and make the changes accordingly. Without alternative outlooks for the better, our children will be left with trash, and stress, and ask what the hell were we thinking. Thank you, and continue your inspiration for change.
Oil pices undoubtedly are a huge issue!
How could we create jobs by using our computers? There already is a virtual office market. We need to come up with some ideas to apply this same concept, but only servicing businesses that are not corporate hogs!
How? I can no longer afford to drive to work! Let's make a plan! Who has ideas?
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