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Monday, May 6, 2019

A Quick Review of Vice's Show Outliers, Ep. 1: "Have You Ever Wanted To Drop Out Of Capitalism?"




In a series called "Outliers", VICE "explores worlds beyond the economic mainstream, meeting people who’ve chosen unusual and sometimes radical relationships to money, commerce and capitalism."

The first episode showcases a cluster of communes. In exchange for a 40 hr work week, workers get everything from health care to food taken care of. They even get a little stipend. This isn't what I think of when I think of a world where labor is valued more than capital, because ultimately, if these people decide not to work a 40 hour week they don't eat. And, as you will see if you watch the video, they are all still partially injected into the system anyway.

What I like about the episode is that it provides an example of a unique economic model without defining it. It puts it into context without judgement, and the role of "definer" is left to the audience. This isn't easy to do, and it's done well. 

Bottom-line: Great episode. I also like the idea of a hybrid commune. Ideas like this are what make me proud to be American, but why not keep the mindset, AND play the game. That is, get paid, get capital and let your capital make your income so you can spend your days at the commune?

It IS possible to think like a capitalist without buying into a 'winner take all' belief system. It's one thing to know the rules, it's another to believe those rules are your limit.

I look forward to the reviewing the next episode of Outliers on VICE.

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