monk222: (Rainy: by snorkle_c)
monk222 ([personal profile] monk222) wrote2011-08-12 11:54 am
Entry tags:

Socialism and America

“Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires”

- John Steinbeck

But I wonder if this is changing...

Insightful!

[identity profile] poovanna.livejournal.com 2011-08-12 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Pyramid schemes have a disturbing beauty because of how effectively they're able to exploit our aspirations using the same simple techniques.

Want to distract somebody who is legitimately angry at the low quality of his life (long hours in the office; high cost of his educating kids; expensive health care etc)? It's easy!

Simply tell him that he too can have a shot at greatness - if only he goes a bit faster on the rat wheel. Then sit back and watch the poor bastard run like mad! ;)

Re: Insightful!

[identity profile] hardblue.livejournal.com 2011-08-12 09:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, but to make it work, you have to let them enjoy a little sugar, and these days, we don't seem to be getting any of that, and people are starting to get testy.