Internationally renowned political theorist Benjamin R. Barber is the Kekst Professor of Civil Society at the University of Maryland and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Demos in New York City, where he lives.
"Barber delivers a frightening analysis of the way consumerism is
vitiating shoppers in the United States and around the world."
*Kirkus Reviews (starred review)*
"This lifelong study of the effects of capitalism and privatization
reveals a pervasiveness of branding and homogenization from which
there is no turning back."
*Booklist*
"A remarkable book about the shifting nature of
capitalism…Beguiling."
*Financial World*
"[Barber's] thesis has genuine bite."
*Denver Post*
"Barber delivers a frightening analysis of the way consumerism is
vitiating shoppers in the United States and around the world." --
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This lifelong study of the effects of capitalism and privatization
reveals a pervasiveness of branding and homogenization from which
there is no turning back." -- Booklist
"A remarkable book about the shifting nature of
capitalism...Beguiling." -- Financial World
"[Barber's] thesis has genuine bite." -- Denver Post
Barber returns to the clashing models of civilization of his earlier Jihad vs. McWorld, focusing this time on the expanding global culture of market forces he claims will destory not only democracy but even capitalism, if left unchecked. He warns of a totalitarian "ethos of induced childishness" that not only seeks to turn the young into aggressive consumers but to arrest the psychological development of adults as well, "freeing" them to indulge in puerile and narcissistic purchases based on "stupid" brand loyalties. The increasing drive toward privatization compounds the problem, generating a "civic schizophrenia" where everybody wants service but nobody wants to serve. His complaint is so broad that it occasionally edges into crankiness, as he blames infantilization for ruining everything from Hollywood movies to NBA basketball; even other liberal cultural commentators, especially Steven Johnson (Everything Bad Is Good for You), come in for much criticism. Barber recognizes that the "Jihadist" rejection of consumer culture is equally undemocratic, but still believes the system can be changed from within, citing the corporate responsibility movement and activist boycotts. His dense analysis can be a tough slog in spots, but the provocative attacks on capitalism's excesses will resonate with many. (Feb.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
