a celebrity is “only” an A- or B-lister, until they are inspired to put aside childish things, as Obama said during his inauguration, quoting scripture. This celebrity then throws themselves into the world of humanitarian-branded, progressive-looking activism, generally three-letter State Department-connected NGOs which have been described more accurately as “the human rights-imperialism racket.” This celebrity then transcends mere stardom and becomes someone to whom we should look for not only entertainment, but moral and political guidance.
every neoliberal micro-celeb is a wannabee imperialist propagandist
tbh I agree with Tom Scott on that video to the degree that Jeff Bezos unveiling a big vanity art project completely free and open to the public would be a slightly better use of his money than launching his own ass into space
Rich people should build more fountains though. That’s a statement that doesn’t even contradict the idea that rich people shouldn’t exist. They do, and they should be building fountains until we eliminate them. I would also say it’s not even liberal especially, but definitely not neo liberal. Throughout human history, where there are wealthy people they are financing public works and art to show off their wealth. They make gardens and parks and statues and temples to raise their prestige, as well as support something they like. Part of the reason most American cities look like shit is because all space was either administered by the government with the lowest possible budget and any spending that wasn’t functionally essential(and quite a lot that was) got treated as a sin, or it was used by businesses. Vanity projects should be theater companies and artworks, not space flights and warehouses full of cars.
neoliberal NPC who thinks 'rich people should build more nice fountains, wow!"
https://redsails.org/on-anthony-bourdain/
every neoliberal micro-celeb is a wannabee imperialist propagandist
tbh I agree with Tom Scott on that video to the degree that Jeff Bezos unveiling a big vanity art project completely free and open to the public would be a slightly better use of his money than launching his own ass into space
Rich people should build more fountains though. That’s a statement that doesn’t even contradict the idea that rich people shouldn’t exist. They do, and they should be building fountains until we eliminate them. I would also say it’s not even liberal especially, but definitely not neo liberal. Throughout human history, where there are wealthy people they are financing public works and art to show off their wealth. They make gardens and parks and statues and temples to raise their prestige, as well as support something they like. Part of the reason most American cities look like shit is because all space was either administered by the government with the lowest possible budget and any spending that wasn’t functionally essential(and quite a lot that was) got treated as a sin, or it was used by businesses. Vanity projects should be theater companies and artworks, not space flights and warehouses full of cars.
Museums full of cars, otoh…
Honestly? Marginally better. Oil and gas aren’t being wasted on them and more people can enjoy them.
Even if we somehow moved to a transit-centric world, that history ought to still be there, like going to look at old WW2 fighter planes.