tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571203137446365845.post8638640533425153277..comments2023-11-02T07:02:13.337-04:00Comments on frockstyle: London's BurningMoyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137525108195236454noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571203137446365845.post-53820419243565439032011-08-09T11:26:37.520-04:002011-08-09T11:26:37.520-04:00I totally agree with you again, Amanda, especially...I totally agree with you again, Amanda, especially on American's misguided resentment of intellectuals, something that is, alas, spreading more widely overseas. Of course, there's also the closed-minded sense of America best and the misguided patriotism that's behind so many short-sighted decisions here, something that aids those in power and cripples those without. We don't have that in England, which often helps people to perceive real social problems.<br /><br />While I fear that nothing will change in the US, except for the worst (dismantling of what little welfare state exists) I have more hope for England. I don't see people tolerating these kinds of cuts for long and there is a tendency to fight back that doesn't exist in the US, except in the worst and most disenfranchised conditions. That said, I think we're still a way off from positive change right now. I am starting to worry that social cohesion and hope will be lost in the wake of recent events.Moyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04137525108195236454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571203137446365845.post-71597062009284374432011-08-08T23:34:01.319-04:002011-08-08T23:34:01.319-04:00I've often wondered why Americans don't ri...I've often wondered why Americans don't riot more than they do (even though I don't condone it), but I've come to the realization that most Americans are deeply misinformed, have a misguided resentment of intellectuals and only want to be led away by theories that are over-simplistic, nihilistic and lazy. <br /><br />I think the system WILL carry on, because interests of the rich are the only thing that matters these days. Austerity is the new normal and the first things that have to go with austerity is the welfare state. Unfair but it seems that everyone (regardless of political spectrum) seems to justify with some warped view of supply-side economics. <br /><br />I guess I'm too pessimistic, but when the person you thought would at least bring some hope and change to this country starts bending over backwards to people who hold the entire country hostage... I don't know where to find faith anymore.Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08733878051719246087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571203137446365845.post-60603135681245935332011-08-08T20:35:49.546-04:002011-08-08T20:35:49.546-04:00Too true, Amanda. I recognize my role in this syst...Too true, Amanda. I recognize my role in this system--we are all culpable to an extent, even though I also like to believe that I'd spend the larger sum if my labour--and that of other workers--was compensated more fully. Of course it is all part of the same systematic deflationary spiral--wages and commodities decline so we can be paid less, if we are lucky enough to hold onto our jobs.<br /><br />I've foreseen rioting for a while on both sides of the Atlantic. I just can't see this system continuing any longer--and the events of the last few days make me think the end may come sooner than I thought--and maybe not in a form that I would have liked, or one that is productive.<br /><br />But, yes, I curse myself for falling victim to the allure of the pretty trinket at the expense of the greater good too. And I know we're all, to some extent, shaped by these desires in our society.Moyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04137525108195236454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571203137446365845.post-39188703325571179872011-08-08T20:21:21.302-04:002011-08-08T20:21:21.302-04:00But Moya, how else will you get a J.Crew cashmere ...But Moya, how else will you get a J.Crew cashmere sweater for $79.99 if it were not for the promise of capitalist outsourcing and the overreaching arm of the free markets and corporations who are firmly planted in the belief of Friedman economic theories? =)Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08733878051719246087noreply@blogger.com