I Heart Globalization
That’s right, folks. I’m chucking in this namby-pamby anti-globalisation nonsense and embracing global corporate hegemony for all it’s worth …
I’m joking, of course, but I’d be lying if I said that I hadn’t felt the odd pang of relief at the familiar signs that globalisation has delivered to me here in Brasil. From brand recognition at the supermarket to the American pop playing 24/7 in the internet café, I cling on to the Coca-cola ads and the sound of Britney Spears (even Delta Goodrem - I swelled with pride) as markers of home (especially when they involve words that I can understand without diving for the dictionary) in a sea of utter dislocation. I know it’s sick and wrong - but I can’t help it ….
I may have been saved somewhat yesterday, though, as I dragged myself to the Latin American Sociological Congress (which I am supposed to be attending all week). I was too exhausted to take very much in (especially as it was in Spanish), but I did have a good forage through the obligatory tray table of drippy sociology merch. Never before have I seen so many copies of Das Kapital and assorted Leninist tomes - except for, perhaps in the Loja da Reforma Agraria (literally, ‘Agrarian Reform Shop’ - run by the MST in the Mercado Publico). I am looking forward to thinking through the vitality of the Marxist narrative in the MST and related social movements (and correspondingly in Latin American sociology) - I find it so interesting and significant.
In other news, I was thrilled today to find a café with a vegetarian organic buffet. As much vegie, rice and lentil action as you want, followed by various glutinous, sweet sobremeses (desserts). I ate till I could barely stand up …. I hadn’t realised how much I love wholefoods and green vegetables. Sigh.
Please send soy milk.
Let us know when you hear ACDC - the largest ever selling Australian band OS; is there a Redgum tape/CD at the MST? Bring back their best equivalent pls.
Comment by Rock Goddess — 8/27/2005 @ 2:47 pm
i’ve long suspected that soy milk and vegetarianism were capitalist schemes.
In other news, i’ve found that Peter Andre is big in these undeveloped countries (aka ‘glasgow’ and ’switzerland’)
Comment by soy vegetariann(g) — 8/28/2005 @ 8:24 pm
I have seen no sign of Peter André yet, but Savage Garden seems to be getting a workout!
As for soy milk and vegetarianism being capitalist schemes, well they kind of are, in a way, I think! They are certainly part of commodity capitalism and the possibility of abundance and choice when there’s enough money to cater to everyone’s fancy (in a you-can-choose-whatever-you-like-from-three-colours kind of way).
Comment by Anonymous — 8/29/2005 @ 11:00 pm
anonymous! are you in brazizzle with ann???? i thought you were still in sydney lamenting your imminent deportation? Suffer in your jocks (SIYJ)
or did you just forget to log in ann? get with the programme and stop being such a quentin.
Comment by matrine — 8/30/2005 @ 12:09 pm