[MD] Metaphysical issues: DQ

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Woods]
The free market is a static pattern.

[Arlo]
The "free market" is an economic reflection of the social morals held 
by a society.

Because of this, the "free market" can witness the trading of human 
beings (the slave trade of the South, for example, occurred "in the 
free market") as well as computers. It is no better, and no worse, 
than the aggregate morals held by a culture. Bad morals, bad market. 
Good morals, good market.

In fact, one can say (and many have) that by examining market 
practices, ranging from items consumed, to modes of production, to 
consumer demand, to advertising, is one of the best ways we have to 
accurately point to what it is that any particular culture values.

Our culture, as you've been pointing out, values "greed" and material 
power. We go into debt thousands and thousands of dollars to buy the 
latest "must have" trinkets and ensure that the Jones' do not outpass 
us on the social capital scale. Our "affluence" masks our 
indebtedness, or it did until now. Want to know about Americans? 
Examine their shopping habits, their rates of consumption, how they 
organize (and accept) labor conditions. Want to learn about what it 
means to be an American? Watch commercials, no not programs (although 
maybe a little). In fact, next time you are watching your favorite 
show, watch the commercials closely, ask "what assumptions does this 
make about me?" You'll be surprised at first (maybe), but then you'll 
look around and go "aaahhhhh".

Another note about Marx. Marx would no doubt agree that conditions in 
America and "the West" amount to a more luxurious lifestyle than in 
other nations. He would also quickly point out that "butlers" have a 
better lifestyle than "slaves", but this does not equate to true 
freedom. In both cases, there is a "master", just because one buys 
you goodies and televisions and extends you lines of credit doesn't 
make you any less of a slave. This "luxuriousness", he may say, is 
simply the face of "opiation", where "man" has sold his immortal soul 
for a few shiny objects and the illusion of power ("private property" 
is simply "exclusionary power over the mobility of others").