The Illusion of Choice in America
First published: Wednesday June 21st, 2023
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Choice?
The concept of choice is often touted as a fundamental aspect of American society. From the supermarket aisle to the ballot box, Americans are presented with a seemingly endless array of options. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this illusion of choice is just that – an illusion.
One of the most striking examples of the illusion of choice in America is the political system. While there are technically two major political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, the reality is that these parties are more similar than different. Both parties are heavily influenced by corporate interests and both support a neoliberal economic agenda that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy over those of the working class.
This lack of choice is further exacerbated by the role of money in politics. Candidates who are not backed by wealthy donors are often unable to compete in elections, leaving voters with a limited pool of options. Additionally, the media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and often presents a narrow range of perspectives, further limiting the choices available to voters.
The illusion of choice is also evident in the consumer marketplace. While there may be dozens of brands of cereal or toothpaste to choose from, the reality is that many of these brands are owned by just a few large corporations. For example, the majority of the world's toothpaste is produced by just three companies: Colgate-Palmolive, Procter & Gamble, and GlaxoSmithKline. This consolidation of power allows these companies to control prices and limit competition, ultimately reducing the number of choices available to consumers.
Another example of the illusion of choice in America is the education system. While there are technically public and private schools, the reality is that access to quality education is heavily influenced by factors such as race, income, and zip code. Students from low-income families are often forced to attend underfunded and understaffed schools, while students from wealthy families have access to top-notch private schools. This lack of choice in education perpetuates existing inequalities and limits opportunities for children of different backgrounds.
With all due respect to Americans, I have long noticed that they live in the illusion of "freedom of choice" in America. Like, America is a country where you have a wide and unlimited choice. But this is an illusion, especially in political terms, which is supported and pushed by all the media and mass culture. Unfortunately, it is rare when an ordinary person anywhere in the world has more freedom of choice, either he follows the path prescribed by the government, large corporations or society, or he will have to go through fire, water and copper pipes to achieve more in life, which not everyone has enough strength and capabilities.
You're definitely right about political parties—as it stands right now, politicians are gathered under a single tent strewn with dollars. I would say to vote third party, but on a national level this will eventually lead to money selecting them also. Our only hope, barring a sudden shift in political attitudes, is taking federal power away and electing honest local politicians (however hard they may be to find).
On corporate oligopolies, such is, I believe, necessary for any free market. Rally with trust-busters if you'd like, but remember that the companies have been accepted by consumers as a solution for whatever problem they may have.
I don't want to say much more, as I don't even know too much about it, but there's my two cents.