-Thu- Jan 28 2010
Diet Soap #42: A Virus Called Capitalism
Rhetor and former professor at UC Berkeley Daniel Coffeen is the guest this week and we discuss the idea that capitalism may be a language virus that is quickly destroying its human host. Daniel comes to what he describes as a revolutionary perspective through his own experiences as a worker in some of the hippest digital corporations in the new info crunching capitalist economy. As a postmodern rhetor Daniel seeks pleasure and enjoyment, but has to fight the virus in order to find moments to savor his life. Also this week is a reading about the Truman show which was paraphrased at last week’s Transitional Alchemy event in Portland, and a Titanic factoid. You can download this podcast from dietsoap.podomatic.com or subscribe at iTunes.
I remember the Beanery in Eugene, Or (U of O) where I was introduced caffeinated ravings from friendly mercurial strangers. Their nurturing gestures helped prod a young freshman up the steep learning curve of this mind-designed (Thank you Christopher Alexander) atmosphere. Then Reagan was elected and this atmosphere began to become infected by the virus that Daniel Coffen described….but not completely. I attended the Transitional Alchemy happening and felt the stirring of that Beanery spirit. Gathered were like minded listeners that came from different backgrounds. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a potlatch, open mic, experimental musical ravings (not rave music) on foreclosed property….once a month.
Augustine
Augustine
Yeah. We should definitely do this. That’s a terrific idea. We could do it on foreclosed property and other places where we don’t belong, like in the lobby of Wyden and Kennedy maybe, and in City Hall?
We might want to start small though, keep it going for awhile before we clash with authority too directly.