When people here the word "communist" they think political oppression or even financial equality. When I here the word "communist" I think bland conformity.
If you travel to the formal Soviet Union (as I have) you can see a few things 1- political prosecution is terrible, 2- Soviet housing was known as "bloc housing" bland, grey square buildings. Art was not appreciated nor was individuality. Clothes were grey, people looked drab. That was the bland reality of "communistic conformity".
Then look at where America is going now. Be it NJ where my favorite childhood store (Fountains of Wayne) is going out of business, or my favorite Alaskan store that is now gone (Outdoors and More). Replaced by Americans zeal to shop their local big boxes instead. It doesn't matter which state you are in--they all look the same now. Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Alaska--you can't tell the difference when you are looking at the Target/Walgreens/PetCo Complex.
Everyone is rushing out to wear the exact same Old Navy dress, sandals from Kohls and patio set from WalMart. I don't understand for the life of me why people enjoy this.
I don't even know if there is a point for Mom & Pop to open their own little shop anymore, because you know the big box monsters will come and devour them all.
Let alone the consumer who is to blame--as they see 25 cents savings on a pair of shorts and lose their brains. Never mind the fact that we are voluntarily choosing to be EXACTLY THE SAME. Bring on the communism, bag unique expression. Drive home to your beige house and weep.
Showing posts with label conformity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conformity. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What Defines Us
As I enjoy my life of Alaskan bliss, I am also uncomfortably aware of the scourge growing amongst us. It is not a disease, or beast, but humankinds need for well-known box stores. I know there are other Alaskans who live or moved here to enjoy the wilds of the North , however, I am increasingly seeing another breed of Alaskan--the suburban conformist.
Mostly these types come from the lower 48, usually spouses dragged along to Alaska because of a good job offer for their other half. The result is bizarre comments like, "if only Costco were closer I would be complete" or "Can't wait for the New Home Depot" and "It's about time we got an Appleebees"....
Even the long-time Alaskans can't resist the good deals once they step into a Sam's club or Wal-Mart. Their thrifty eyes just can't look away!
It just isolates me even more, as I can't relate to their excitement. I am perfectly happy with the local shops, lumber and food vendors. It's why I am here. To escape the conformity of the rest of the Nation. Yet it follows me & makes sure that anyplace you live eventually looks the same. This overwhelming need for these boxy places just makes me fear that it really is one of the things that defines the modern American. It used to be: food & shelter, but now we need Wal-Mart.
Mostly these types come from the lower 48, usually spouses dragged along to Alaska because of a good job offer for their other half. The result is bizarre comments like, "if only Costco were closer I would be complete" or "Can't wait for the New Home Depot" and "It's about time we got an Appleebees"....
Even the long-time Alaskans can't resist the good deals once they step into a Sam's club or Wal-Mart. Their thrifty eyes just can't look away!
It just isolates me even more, as I can't relate to their excitement. I am perfectly happy with the local shops, lumber and food vendors. It's why I am here. To escape the conformity of the rest of the Nation. Yet it follows me & makes sure that anyplace you live eventually looks the same. This overwhelming need for these boxy places just makes me fear that it really is one of the things that defines the modern American. It used to be: food & shelter, but now we need Wal-Mart.
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